living
living
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "living" is /ˈlɪv.ɪŋ/.
/ˈlɪv/
/ɪŋ/
Word Form Variations
Noun: living (singular, as in "a living"), livings (plural, as in "church livings" or "means of livings")
Adjective: living (no comparative/superlative forms)
Verb: (This is the present participle form of "to live," so it is a verb form itself)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The act or state of being alive; existence.
Synonyms: existence, being, life, survival, subsistence
Antonyms: death, demise, nonexistence, cessation
Definition 2: The means of supporting one's existence, especially financially; livelihood.
Synonyms: livelihood, sustenance, subsistence, income, earnings, provision
Antonyms: debt, poverty, destitution, unemployment, deprivation
Definition 3: (Often "livings") A church benefice; the income and property belonging to a parish priest.
Synonyms: benefice, glebe, incumbency, ecclesiastical office
Antonyms: laity, secularism (as contrasting concepts)
Definition 4: (Informal, often plural "livings") A place where one lives or dwells.
Synonyms: dwelling, residence, abode, home, quarters
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "workplace" as a contrasting space)
Adjective
Definition 1: Alive; having life.
Synonyms: alive, alive and well, animate, breathing, existing
Antonyms: dead, inanimate, deceased, lifeless, defunct
Definition 2: (Of a person) Still existing; not dead.
Synonyms: extant, existing, surviving, current
Antonyms: deceased, extinct, bygone, past
Definition 3: Real or genuine; true to life.
Synonyms: authentic, genuine, real, lifelike, vibrant, dynamic
Antonyms: artificial, fake, false, simulated, imaginary
Definition 4: (Of traditions, languages, etc.) Still in use or practice; not obsolete.
Synonyms: current, active, flourishing, thriving, evolving
Antonyms: dead, obsolete, extinct, archaic, moribund
Definition 5: (Of a place or environment) Full of life, bustling, or vibrant.
Synonyms: vibrant, bustling, thriving, active, dynamic, lively
Antonyms: dull, stagnant, lifeless, desolate, barren
Verb (Present Participle of "to live")
Definition 1: (Form of "to live") Being in the state of having life.
Example usage: "She is living her best life."
Definition 2: (Form of "to live") Residing or dwelling.
Example usage: "They are living in a small apartment downtown.
Examples of Use
Books:
"The remote tribe developed a sustainable way of living that respected the delicate balance of nature." (From an anthropology textbook or nature writing)
"She described the experience as a living nightmare, reliving the trauma every night." (Fictional example from a psychological thriller)
"The author made a comfortable living from her novels, allowing her to travel extensively." (From a biography of a writer)
Newspapers:
"The cost of living in Nairobi continues to rise, impacting household budgets across the city." ("The Standard,")
"Scientists have discovered new forms of living organisms thriving in extreme volcanic environments." ("The New York Times,")
"He dedicates his time to helping others, finding a deeper meaning in living for a cause greater than himself." ("Daily Nation,")
Online Publications:
"Tips for healthy living: A guide to improving your diet and exercise routine." (An article on a wellness website, e.g., "Healthline.com,")
"Is urban living truly sustainable for the future of our planet?" (An opinion piece on an environmental website, e.g., "National Geographic Online,")
"How to make a decent living as a freelance writer in the digital age." (A career advice article on "The Write Life,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I'm tired of barely living; I want to truly live." (Dialogue from a dramatic film where a character seeks change)
Television Series: "This incredible ecosystem is a living testament to the power of adaptation and survival." (Narration from a nature documentary, e.g., "Our Planet")
Song Lyrics: "I'm just a living soul, trying to find my way back home." (From a gospel or folk song, expressing existential yearning)
Video Games: "Your objective is to protect the last remaining living members of the royal family." (In-game quest description in a fantasy RPG, e.g., Dragon Age)
Podcasts: "Our guest, a renowned historian, brings history to living color with her vivid storytelling." (A podcast host introducing a segment, e.g., "Dan Carlin's Hardcore History")
General Public Discourse:
"The cost of living here is just too high for me." (A common complaint among residents)
"Are there any living relatives of the famous artist left?" (A question about family history)
"He makes a good living as a software engineer." (Commenting on someone's profession)
"It's a living hell trying to commute during rush hour in this city." (An informal expression of frustration)
"She enjoys living alone and cherishes her independence." (A statement about personal lifestyle)
10 Famous Quotes Using Living
"Living well is the best revenge." – George Herbert
"Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin. Live every day as if it were your last, because someday you're going to be right." – Ray Charles
"The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing." – Marcus Aurelius
"Living in fear is just another way of dying before your time." – Mike Cooley
"Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see." – John Lennon
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." – Winston Churchill
"The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. Are you living wisely?" – Henry David Thoreau
"Living without an aim is like sailing without a compass." – John Ruskin
"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." – Oscar Wilde
"Living in the moment brings you a sense of reverence for all of life's blessings." – Oprah Winfrey
Etymology
The word "living" comes directly from the Old English verb lifian or libban, which meant "to be alive" or "to exist."
"Living" is essentially the present participle form of that old verb, meaning "being in the state of life."
Over time, it also developed into a noun, referring to the "means of sustenance" (like "making a living") or "a way of life." This is because how one "lives" often dictates how one supports oneself and one's general lifestyle.
The first known use of "living" in English, as both "the state of being alive" (as an adjective) and "means of livelihood" (as a noun), dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). So, like its root verb "live," "living" is a very old and fundamental word in the English language, reflecting core concepts of existence and sustenance.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Living
Make a living: To earn enough money to support oneself; to have a livelihood.
Living large: To live a luxurious or extravagant lifestyle.
Living proof: Someone or something that provides undeniable evidence of a fact.
Living legend: A very famous person who is still alive and active in their field.
The living dead: Zombies or people who seem lifeless or unresponsive.
Living on borrowed time: Continuing to exist or operate beyond the expected or usual time, especially when death or failure is imminent.
Living in a dream world: Not being realistic about life or current circumstances.
Barely eking out a living: Earning just enough money to survive, with great difficulty.
High cost of living: The expense of daily life in a particular area.
Living space: The area within a dwelling used for daily activities, excluding bedrooms and kitchens.
To earn one's bread: To make a living through work. (Synonym for "making a living")
A state of being: The condition of one's existence. (Synonym for "living" as in existence)
A vibrant existence: A lively and fulfilling way of living. (Synonym for "living" as in a quality of life)
To dwell within: To reside or exist inside something. (Synonym for "living in")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of living from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
