life
life
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "life" is /laɪf/.
/laɪf/
Word Form Variations
Noun: life (singular), lives (plural)
Verb: (No direct verb form of "life." Related verbs include "live," "enliven," "revive.")
Adjective: life (used attributively, e.g., "life support," "life insurance") - no comparative/superlative forms
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death.
Synonyms: existence, being, vitality, animation, aliveness
Antonyms: death, nonexistence, demise, lifelessness
Definition 2: The period between the birth and death of a living thing.
Synonyms: lifespan, lifetime, duration, existence
Antonyms: brevity, instant, moment (referring to a short period)
Definition 3: The existence of an individual human being or animal.
Synonyms: individual, person, soul, human being
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, as it refers to a unit of existence)
Definition 4: The sum of one's experiences and activities; the general state of human existence.
Synonyms: existence, living, being, experience, human condition
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, as it refers to a broad concept)
Definition 5: Animation, spirit, or vigor; liveliness.
Synonyms: vigor, vitality, spirit, energy, vivacity, zest
Antonyms: dullness, lethargy, flatness, lifelessness
Definition 6: A principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings.
Synonyms: essence, spirit, soul, core, vital force
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, as it refers to an abstract concept)
Adjective
Definition 1: Of or relating to the duration or events of existence; providing what is necessary for living. (Used attributively)
Synonyms: vital, living, essential, existential
Antonyms: death (as in death penalty), inanimate, lifeless
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, 1859) - This opening paragraph broadly describes the contradictory nature of "life" in a specific era.
"The scientist dedicated her entire life to finding a cure for the rare disease." (From a biography or non-fiction scientific work)
"He finally found true happiness in a quiet country life, far from the city's bustle." (Fictional example from a novel exploring personal fulfillment)
Newspapers:
"The rising cost of living is making daily life increasingly difficult for low-income families." ("The Standard,")
"New research explores the possibility of microbial life existing on distant exoplanets." ("The New York Times,")
"The president vowed to protect the life and property of all citizens." ("Daily Nation,")
Online Publications:
"Seven simple habits that can significantly improve your daily life." (An article on a self-improvement blog, e.g., "Mindbodygreen.com,")
"The impact of artificial intelligence on human life in the 21st century." (A thought piece on "MIT Technology Review,")
"Join our community for tips on healthy living and work-life balance." (A call to action on a wellness website, e.g., "Healthline.com,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "My mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." (Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump, 1994)
Television Series: "In this season, the crew faces new challenges that threaten their very life support systems." (Narration from a science fiction show, e.g., "The Expanse")
Song Lyrics: "Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long." (From Tom Cochrane's song "Life Is A Highway," 1991)
Video Games: "You have one life remaining. Be careful." (On-screen message in an arcade or platformer game, e.g., "Contra")
Podcasts: "This week, we explore the challenges and triumphs of remote work life." (A podcast host introducing a topic, e.g., "The Tim Ferriss Show")
General Public Discourse:
"How's life treating you these days?" (A common greeting)
"He saved my life by pulling me out of the burning car." (A dramatic personal account)
"Work-life balance is really important for mental health." (A common discussion topic)
"The doctor said he's on life support, and things aren't looking good." (A statement about a medical condition)
"I wouldn't wish that kind of life on my worst enemy." (Expressing strong disapproval of someone's circumstances)
10 Famous Quotes Using Life
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon
“Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” – Elbert Hubbard
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” – Robert Frost
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” – Mark Twain
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein
“Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.” – Oliver Goldsmith
Etymology
The word "life" comes from the Old English word līf.
Līf already carried the core meaning that we understand today: "existence," "state of being alive," or "the period between birth and death."
It's related to other Germanic words, like the Old Norse líf and the German Leib (which means "body," showing a close connection between the concept of life and the physical form).
The first known use of "life" in English with its core meaning of "the state of being alive" dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). It's one of those fundamental words in the language that has been around for a very long time with a very consistent central meaning.
Over centuries, its uses expanded to include broader ideas like the "way of living" (e.g., "a good life"), "liveliness" (e.g., "full of life"), and "living things" collectively (e.g., "wildlife"), but all these meanings are built upon that original concept of animated existence.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Life
Fact of life: A reality that must be accepted, even if undesirable.
Larger than life: Very grand, impressive, or exaggerated; more exciting or interesting than ordinary people.
The time of one's life: A period of intense enjoyment and fun.
Bring to life: To make something interesting, exciting, or real; to make something operate.
Come to life: To become active, animated, or real.
Sacrifice one's life: To die for a cause or another person.
Lead a double life: To secretly live two different lives, often with different identities or relationships.
For dear life: With desperate effort, especially to hold on or escape.
Full of life: Lively, energetic, or vibrant.
New lease on life: A renewed opportunity to live or be healthy and energetic, often after a period of difficulty.
Life of the party: The most lively and entertaining person at a social gathering.
Bread and butter of life: The essential necessities or basics of daily existence. (Synonym for "livelihood" or "sustenance")
A dog's life: A difficult or miserable existence.
To give one's all: To exert maximum effort, often in a situation affecting one's well-being. (Synonym for "putting one's life into something")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of life from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
