lifely adjective 1adverb 1forms 2 adjective1 •Of, pertaining to, or endued with life; living; vital; essential.Every breathsome being is lifely, Every man is a breathsome being, Every man is lifely. — 1887 adverb1 •(no longer used) In a lifelike manner.Unslain fro thee, which ay us lifely herteth, With books of his ornat enditing That is to all this land enlumining. — 1826 formsmore lifely · most lifely