Living
'lɪvɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo have life; to be alive; to exist.
'lɪv
To be alive; to continue to have life.
Humans need food and water to live.
💡 Simply: It's like breathing and doing stuff. Like, you live in a house, you eat food, and you play. It's all the things you do because you're alive!
👶 For kids: Being alive and doing things like playing, eating, and sleeping.
More Examples
They live in a cozy cottage by the sea.
He lives a simple life, enjoying the small things.
How It's Used
"All organisms need to live."
"She lives in a small apartment."
Alive; not dead; in a state of existence.
'lɪvɪŋ
Currently alive; that is experiencing life.
The living room is where the family gathers.
💡 Simply: Something that's not dead! Like, a living tree is still growing, unlike a dead branch on the ground.
👶 For kids: Being alive right now, like a dog or a plant.
More Examples
There is a living history museum in the town square.
The artist captures the essence of living things.
How It's Used
"The living creatures in the forest."
"The living will outlines medical preferences."
The act or state of being alive; the means of supporting life.
'lɪvɪŋ
The state or condition of being alive; sustenance.
Finding a good living is important.
💡 Simply: It's the way you make money or get the things you need to stay alive and be happy. Like, your job provides your living.
👶 For kids: How you get the things you need to be happy and healthy, like food and a home.
More Examples
The cost of living is rising in the city.
She earns a comfortable living as a doctor.
How It's Used
"They are struggling to make a living."
"Quality of living has improved in recent years."
Synonyms
Breathe
Dwell
Exist
Alive
Animate
Breathing
Existing
Existence
Livelihood
Idioms & expressions
make a living
To earn money to support oneself.
"He makes a living as a freelance writer."
living wage
A wage high enough to meet basic needs.
"The city council debated the implementation of a living wage."
living room
The room in a house that is used for relaxing and entertaining guests.
"The living room has a comfortable sofa and a fireplace."
From Old English *lifian* ('to live, be alive'), from Proto-Germanic *libjaną*. It's related to the word 'life'.
Used since Old English, reflecting the basic human experience of existence and livelihood.
Memory tip
Imagine your heart beating. That's living.