From Latin 'vividus' (alive, animated), from 'vivere' (to live) — intensity of color equated with being alive.
Producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind; intensely bright or deep in color.
From Latin 'vīvidus' (animated, spirited, lively, full of life), from 'vīvere' (to live), from PIE *gʷeyh₃- (to live). The metaphor equates intensity of color or experience with the quality of being alive — a vivid color is one that seems to pulse with life, as opposed to dull or 'dead' tones. The same metaphor underlies 'vivacious' (lively in manner) and 'vivace' in music (to be played