to live

/lɪv/

Definition & Meaning of "live"

to live

VERB

to have your home somewhere specific

dwell

reside

settle

Intransitive: to live somewhere

Example

She prefers to live in a quiet country side away from crowded cities.

I live in a small town near the mountains.

to continue to exist or be alive

endure

last

survive

Intransitive: to live | to live sometime

Example

Cacti can live for months without water.

He lived long enough to celebrate his 100th birthday.

2.1

to be alive, particularly during a certain period of time

Intransitive: to live point in time

Example

Mozart lived during a period when classical music was at its peak.

She 's the most brilliant scientist who ever lived.

2.2

to conduct one's life in a particular way or under certain conditions

Intransitive: to live in a specific manner

Example

She chose to live simply, focusing on what truly matters to her.

During the pandemic, many had to live under strict lockdown measures.

2.3

to experience life actively and fully

Intransitive

Example

He wanted to break free from routine and live a little.

I want to live life to the fullest before I commit to any long-term responsibilities.

2.4

(of a memory, special moment, etc.) to continue to exist in someone's mind

Intransitive

to share a place of residence with a particular person

Intransitive: to live with sb

Example

He has lived with his aunt and uncle since his parents passed away.

They live with their siblings in a bustling city.

(of a boat or ship) to continue floating and not sink

survive

Intransitive

Old use

Example

The lifeboats were crucial for helping the ship live after it hit the iceberg.

They managed to patch the hull just in time to ensure the boat would live through the storm.

to provide oneself with the necessary resources or conditions needed to continue existing

exist

get by

manage

scrape by

subsist

Intransitive: to live in a specific manner

Example

Many people in rural areas live by farming and growing their own food.

Artists often struggle to live solely from their creative work without additional income.

to be housed or stored in a specific location

reside

Intransitive: to live somewhere

Example

The historical manuscript lives in the museum's special archives.

The antique vase lives on the top shelf where it can be admired.

live

ADJECTIVE

(of TV or radio broadcasts) aired at the exact moment the events are taking place, without any earlier recording or editing

real-time

Example

We watched the live broadcast of the soccer match on TV.

The live feed from the International Space Station showed a breathtaking view of Earth.

1.1

(of a musical performance) happening in real-time, directly in front of an audience

unrecorded

live

Example

We watched a fantastic live jazz show at the local club yesterday.

The festival features live performances from artists around the world.

having life or currently alive

animate

living

Example

The live fish swam energetically in the aquarium.

She was relieved to find the plant still live after her vacation.

2.1

(of a vaccine) including weakened germs to help the body build protection without causing sickness

2.2

(of yogurt) having active bacteria that were used to make the yogurt

Example

Live yogurt is often recommended for maintaining gut health.

Check the label to ensure the yogurt has live and active cultures.

carrying an electric charge

hot

Example

The circuit is still live; make sure to turn off the main switch.

The electrician tested the live wires.

3.1

glowing and producing heat

3.2

(of explosives or ammunition) active and capable of detonation

Example

The bomb squad carefully examined the live explosive device for any signs of instability.

They found several live shells from the war buried in the old field.

3.3

(of a match) not yet been struck

3.4

(of an axle or wheel) actively involved in transmitting motion within machinery

3.5

(of a ball) not considered out of play because of currently being used in the game

Example

The referee signaled that the ball was still live.

Despite the close call, the ball remained live throughout the match.

actively significant or in focus

topical

present

full of liveliness or enthusiasm

animated

colorful

ebullient

effervescent

energetic

Example

The party was so live that everyone stayed until dawn.

The festival was live with music and dance, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

active and currently in use

active

effective

functional

operative

(of a volcano) active and having the potential to erupt

active

producing a strong, clear, and lasting echo or sound

big

booming

resonant

resonating

stentorian

able to return quickly to its original shape after being stretched, compressed, or bent

resilient

springy

‌(of a link) functioning as intended and directing users to the correct online resource

Example

Make sure all the links on your website are live and lead to the correct pages before publishing.

The email campaign included several live hyperlinks to the product landing pages.

live

ADVERB

used when an event or performance is happening at the present moment or being broadcast in real-time

Example

The concert will be broadcast live, allowing fans to experience the music in real-time.

The news anchor reported live from the scene of the event, providing up-to-the-minute information.

Nearby Words

Definition & Meaning of "live"

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