If you describe memories and descriptions as vivid, you mean that they are very clear and detailed.
People of my generation who lived through World War II have vivid memories of confusionand incompetence.
On Wednesday night I had a very vivid dream which really upset me.
Synonyms: clear, detailed, realistic, telling More Synonyms of vivid
vividlyadverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective]
I can vividly remember the feeling of panic.
vividnessuncountable noun [oft theNOUNof noun]
The vividness of the characterisation came as a complete surprise.
Synonyms: liveliness More Synonyms of vivid
Synonyms: brightness, brilliance, intensity, glow More Synonyms of vivid
Synonyms: clarity, realism, intensity, sharpness More Synonyms of vivid
2. adjective
Something that is vivid is very bright in colour.
...a vivid blue sky.
Synonyms: bright, brilliant, intense, clear More Synonyms of vivid
vividlyadverb [ADVERB -ed/adjective]
...vividly coloured birds.
More Synonyms of vivid
vivid in British English
(ˈvɪvɪd)
adjective
1.
(of a colour) very bright; having a very high saturation or purity; produced by a pure or almost pure colouring agent
2.
brilliantly coloured
vivid plumage
3.
conveying to the mind striking realism, freshness, or trueness to life; graphic
a vivid account
4.
(of a recollection, memory, etc) remaining distinct in the mind
5.
(of the imagination, etc) prolific in the formation of lifelike images
6.
making a powerful impact on the emotions or senses
a vivid feeling of shame
7.
uttered, operating, or acting with vigour
vivid expostulations
8.
full of life or vitality
a vivid personality
Derived forms
vividly (ˈvividly)
adverb
vividness (ˈvividness) or less common vividity (vɪˈvɪdɪtɪ)
noun
Word origin
C17: from Latin vīvidus animated, from vīvere to live
vivid in American English
(ˈvɪvɪd)
adjective
1.
full of life; vigorous; lively; striking
a vivid personality
2.
a.
bright; intense; brilliant
said of colors, light, etc.
b.
brightly colored
a vivid tapestry
3.
forming clear or striking mental images; strong; active; daring
a vivid imagination
4.
clearly perceived by the mind, as a recollection
5.
bringing strikingly realistic or lifelike images to the mind
a vivid description
Derived forms
vividly (ˈvividly)
adverb
vividness (ˈvividness)
noun
Word origin
L vividus, lively < vivere, to live: see bio-
Examples of 'vivid' in a sentence
vivid
The experience is brought to life by the vivid diaries of some of the pioneers.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He has one particularly vivid memory from that painful time.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He has obviously got a vivid memory!
The Sun (2016)
Mine is 45 years old but the memory remains vivid.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
I have a vivid imagination and still worry about what he might do to me.
The Sun (2016)
MUCH of my early childhood remains vivid in my memory.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Make the new, healthy picture big, bright and vivid.
The Sun (2017)
A photographic survey spanning the career of the pioneering American known for his bold use of colour and his vivid and mysteriously poetic images.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
When it flies it shows vivid blue patches on its wings.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Are not the former no less vivid and detailed than the latter?
Kishlansky, Mark A. (editor) Sources of the West: Readings in Western Civilization, Volume 1: From the Beginningto 1715 (1995)
His signing is still vivid in my mind.
Duncan Hamilton Provided You Don't Kiss Me: 20 Years with Brian Clough (2007)
Meanwhile help yourself by discovering new interests and building a vivid new social life.
The Sun (2014)
The people who write these things must have vivid imaginations.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Perhaps my most vivid horsey memory is one that took place in a single instant of time.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
When he returned she confronted him with news of her vivid dream of purity.
Richard Bath Notorious: The Maddest and Baddest Sportsmen on the Planet (2006)
But the inside of her mind is a vivid riot of primary colours.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The downside of such a vivid imagination is that the negatives can get very powerful as well.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The good news is that the dreams are still vivid.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
You'll see more colour and more vivid patterns than your eye is able to pick out.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
You are making a life that could be bright and vivid, beige and dreary.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
His eyes were a pale blue, vivid and clear like those of a sled dog.
Zindell, David The Broken God (1993)
But it is also vivid, detailed and precise.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
Shortly afterwards, she woke one morning with a vivid memory of a dream.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In fact, the problems in her vivid account both occurred and were resolved more than two years ago.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The rooms are bright and have vivid fabrics; some have four-poster beds.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He writes a vivid account, which to me rings true, of the difficulties of working from nature.
Improve Your Landscape Painting
In other languages
vivid
British English: vivid /ˈvɪvɪd/ ADJECTIVE
memoryVivid memories and descriptions are very clear and detailed.
...a very vivid dream.
American English: vivid
Arabic: حَيّ
Brazilian Portuguese: vívido
Chinese: 生动的
Croatian: živopisan
Czech: živý vzpomínka apod.
Danish: levende
Dutch: levendig
European Spanish: vívido
Finnish: kirkas eloisa
French: net
German: lebendig
Greek: παραστατικός
Italian: vivido
Japanese: 鮮やかな
Korean: 선명한
Norwegian: livlig
Polish: żywy pełen życia
European Portuguese: vívido
Romanian: clar
Russian: яркий
Latin American Spanish: vívido
Swedish: livlig
Thai: เจิดจ้า สว่างไสว ชัดเจน
Turkish: canlı parlak
Ukrainian: яскравий
Vietnamese: rõ ràng
British English: vivid ADJECTIVE
brightly coloured Something that is vivid is very bright in colour.
...a vivid blue sky.
American English: vivid
Brazilian Portuguese: vívido
Chinese: > 清晰的记忆和描写
European Spanish: vivo
French: vif
German: lebendig
Italian: vivido
Japanese: 鮮明な
Korean: 생생한
European Portuguese: vívido
Latin American Spanish: vivo
All related terms of 'vivid'
vivid dream
A dream is an imaginary series of events that you experience in your mind while you are asleep .
vivid image
If you have an image of something or someone, you have a picture or idea of them in your mind.
vivid example
An example of something is a particular situation, object, or person which shows that what is being claimed is true .
vivid memory
A memory is something that you remember from the past .
vivid picture
A picture of something is a description of it or an indication of what it is like.
vivid character
The characters in a film, book, or play are the people that it is about.
vivid description
A description of someone or something is an account which explains what they are or what they look like.
vivid illustration
An illustration is an example or a story which is used to make a point clear .
vivid imagination
Your imagination is the ability that you have to form pictures or ideas in your mind of things that are new and exciting , or things that you have not experienced.
Chinese translation of 'vivid'
vivid
(ˈvɪvɪd)
adj
[description, memory]生动(動)的 (shēngdòng de)
[colour, light]鲜(鮮)艳(豔)的 (xiānyàn de)
a vivid imagination生动(動)的想象力 (shēngdòng de xiǎngxiànglì)
1 (adjective)
Definition
very clear and detailed
Last night I had a vivid dream which really upset me.
Synonyms
clear
detailed
realistic
The statues were very realistic.
telling
moving
strong
affecting
arresting
powerful
a powerful drama about a corrupt city leader
sharp
All the footmarks are quite sharp and clear.
dramatic
the film's dramatic special effects
stirring
a stirring account of the final months of the old regime
stimulating
haunting
graphic
graphic descriptions of violence
distinct
There was a distinct change in her attitude.
lively
memorable
a memorable performance
unforgettable
evocative
Aaron Copland's beautiful and evocative `Appalachian Spring'
lucid
His prose is always lucid and compelling.
lifelike
a lifelike doll
true to life
sharply-etched
Opposites
vague
,
unclear
,
unmemorable
2 (adjective)
Definition
very bright
a vivid blue sky
Synonyms
bright
a bright red dress
brilliant
The event was held in brilliant sunshine.
intense
clear
Most places will be dry with clear skies.
rich
an attractive, glossy rich red colour
glowing
stained glass in rich, glowing colours
colourful
Everyone was dressed in colourful clothes.
highly-coloured
Opposites
cool
,
pale
,
dull
,
pastel
,
sombre
,
drab
,
colourless
3 (adjective)
one of the most vivid personalities in tennis
Synonyms
lively
She had a sweet, lively personality.
strong
dynamic
He seemed a dynamic and energetic leader.
striking
spirited
He wanted merely to provoke a spirited debate.
powerful
He had a deep, powerful voice.
quick
storming
active
the tragedy of an active mind trapped by failing physical health
vigorous
The choir and orchestra gave a vigorous performance of Haydn's oratorio.
energetic
Two-year-olds can be incredibly energetic.
animated
Everyone became more animated.
vibrant
She is well-liked due to her vibrant personality.
fiery
fiery autumn foliage
flamboyant
expressive
She had a small, expressive face.
vivacious
a beautiful, vivacious and charming young woman
zestful
Opposites
quiet
,
ordinary
,
routine
,
lifeless
,
unremarkable
,
run-of-the-mill
,
nondescript
Additional synonyms
in the sense of active
Definition
busy and energetic
the tragedy of an active mind trapped by failing physical health
Synonyms
energetic,
strong,
spirited,
quick,
vital,
alert,
dynamic,
lively,
vigorous,
potent,
animated,
vibrant,
forceful,
nimble,
diligent,
industrious,
sprightly,
vivacious,
on the go (informal),
alive and kicking,
spry,
full of beans (informal),
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (informal)
in the sense of animated
Definition
interesting and lively
Everyone became more animated.
Synonyms
lively,
spirited,
quick,
excited,
active,
vital,
dynamic,
enthusiastic,
passionate,
vivid,
vigorous,
energetic,
vibrant,
brisk,
buoyant,
ardent,
airy,
fervent,
zealous,
elated,
ebullient,
sparky,
sprightly,
vivacious,
gay (old-fashioned),
alive and kicking,
full of beans (informal),
zestful
in the sense of brilliant
Definition
shining with light
The event was held in brilliant sunshine.
Synonyms
bright,
shining,
intense,
sparkling,
glittering,
dazzling,
vivid,
radiant,
luminous,
ablaze,
resplendent,
scintillating,
lustrous,
coruscating,
refulgent (literary),
lambent
Synonyms of 'vivid'
vivid
Explore 'vivid' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of colourful
Definition
with bright or richly varied colours
Everyone was dressed in colourful clothes.
Synonyms
bright,
rich,
brilliant,
intense,
vivid,
vibrant,
psychedelic,
motley,
variegated,
jazzy (informal),
multicoloured,
Day-glo,
kaleidoscopic
in the sense of distinct
Definition
obvious
There was a distinct change in her attitude.
Synonyms
definite,
marked,
clear,
decided,
obvious,
sharp,
plain,
apparent,
patent,
evident,
black-and-white,
manifest,
noticeable,
conspicuous,
clear-cut,
unmistakable,
palpable,
recognizable,
unambiguous,
observable,
perceptible,
appreciable
in the sense of dramatic
Definition
like a drama in suddenness or effectiveness
the film's dramatic special effects
Synonyms
powerful,
striking,
imposing,
stunning (informal),
impressive,
spectacular,
effective,
staggering,
distinctive,
memorable,
vivid,
jaw-dropping,
breath-taking,
gee-whizz (slang)
in the sense of dynamic
Definition
relating to a force of society, history, or the mind that produces a change
He seemed a dynamic and energetic leader.
Synonyms
energetic,
spirited,
powerful,
active,
vital,
driving,
electric,
go-ahead,
lively,
magnetic,
vigorous,
animated,
high-powered,
forceful,
go-getting (informal),
tireless,
indefatigable,
high-octane (informal),
zippy (informal),
full of beans (informal)
in the sense of energetic
Definition
having or showing energy and enthusiasm
Two-year-olds can be incredibly energetic.
Synonyms
lively,
spirited,
active,
dynamic,
vigorous,
animated,
brisk,
tireless,
bouncy,
indefatigable,
alive and kicking,
zippy (informal),
full of beans (informal),
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (informal)
in the sense of evocative
Aaron Copland's beautiful and evocative `Appalachian Spring'
Synonyms
expressive,
moving,
striking,
revealing,
pointed,
pregnant,
vivid,
meaningful,
poignant,
eloquent,
indicative,
suggestive
in the sense of expressive
Definition
of or full of expression
She had a small, expressive face.
Synonyms
vivid,
strong,
striking,
telling,
moving,
lively,
sympathetic,
energetic,
poignant,
emphatic,
eloquent,
forcible
in the sense of fiery
Definition
consisting of or like fire
fiery autumn foliage
Synonyms
bright,
brilliant,
intense,
vivid,
vibrant
in the sense of glowing
stained glass in rich, glowing colours
Synonyms
bright,
vivid,
vibrant,
rich,
warm,
radiant,
luminous,
lambent
in the sense of graphic
Definition
vividly described
graphic descriptions of violence
Synonyms
vivid,
clear,
detailed,
striking,
telling,
explicit,
picturesque,
forceful,
expressive,
descriptive,
illustrative,
well-drawn
Additional synonyms
in the sense of lifelike
Definition
closely resembling or representing life
a lifelike doll
Synonyms
realistic,
faithful,
authentic,
natural,
exact,
graphic,
vivid,
photographic,
true-to-life,
undistorted
in the sense of lucid
Definition
clear and easily understood
His prose is always lucid and compelling.
Synonyms
clear,
obvious,
plain,
evident,
distinct,
explicit,
transparent,
clear-cut,
crystal clear,
comprehensible,
intelligible,
limpid,
pellucid
in the sense of memorable
Definition
worth remembering or easily remembered because it is very special or important
a memorable performance
Synonyms
noteworthy,
celebrated,
impressive,
historic,
important,
special,
striking,
famous,
significant,
signal,
extraordinary,
remarkable,
distinguished,
haunting,
notable,
timeless,
unforgettable,
momentous,
illustrious,
catchy,
indelible,
unfading
in the sense of powerful
a powerful drama about a corrupt city leader
Synonyms
persuasive,
convincing,
effective,
telling,
moving,
striking,
storming,
dramatic,
impressive,
compelling,
authoritative,
forceful,
weighty,
forcible,
cogent,
effectual
in the sense of powerful
He had a deep, powerful voice.
Synonyms
loud,
booming,
resounding,
sonorous,
stentorian
in the sense of quick
Definition
nimble in one's movements or actions
Synonyms
nimble,
flying,
spirited,
winged,
keen,
alert,
lively,
energetic,
animated,
agile,
sprightly,
vivacious,
spry
in the sense of realistic
The statues were very realistic.
Synonyms
lifelike,
true to life,
authentic,
naturalistic,
true,
natural,
genuine,
graphic,
faithful,
truthful,
representational,
vérité
in the sense of rich
Definition
(of colour) intense or vivid
an attractive, glossy rich red colour
Synonyms
vivid,
strong,
deep,
warm,
bright,
intense,
vibrant,
gay (old-fashioned)
in the sense of sharp
Definition
clearly defined
All the footmarks are quite sharp and clear.
Synonyms
clear,
distinct,
clear-cut,
well-defined,
crisp
in the sense of spirited
Definition
showing liveliness or courage
He wanted merely to provoke a spirited debate.
Synonyms
lively,
vigorous,
energetic,
animated,
game,
active,
bold,
sparkling,
have-a-go (informal),
courageous,
ardent,
feisty (informal),
plucky,
high-spirited,
sprightly,
vivacious,
spunky (informal),
mettlesome,
(as) game as Ned Kelly (Australian, slang)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of stirring
Definition
causing emotion, excitement, and enthusiasm
a stirring account of the final months of the old regime
Synonyms
exciting,
dramatic,
thrilling,
moving,
spirited,
inspiring,
stimulating,
lively,
animating,
rousing,
heady,
exhilarating,
impassioned,
emotive,
intoxicating
in the sense of vibrant
Definition
full of energy and enthusiasm
She is well-liked due to her vibrant personality.
Synonyms
energetic,
dynamic,
sparkling,
vivid,
spirited,
storming,
alive,
sensitive,
colourful,
vigorous,
animated,
responsive,
electrifying,
vivacious,
full of pep (informal)
in the sense of vigorous
Definition
having physical or mental energy
The choir and orchestra gave a vigorous performance of Haydn's oratorio.