Looking up...
life
/laɪf/
the state of being alive
She values her life and tries to live it to the fullest.
She cherishes her existence and makes the most of every moment.
general
the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms
Plants and animals are forms of life.
Living things like plants and animals exhibit life.
This is the most fundamental meaning of 'life.'
general
the period between birth and death
He has lived a long and fulfilling life.
His existence from birth to the present has been meaningful.
Often used to refer to the duration of someone's existence.
general
the way in which someone lives or a particular way of living
She leads a busy life in the city.
Her daily routine is hectic due to urban living.
Can refer to lifestyle or daily activities.
general
the period during which something is functional or in use
The battery has a life of about five years.
The battery remains operational for approximately five years.
Used to describe the operational duration of objects or systems.
Collocations
life expectancythe average number of years a person is expected to livequality of lifethe standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or groupway of lifea particular style or manner of living
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Metaphorical Usage
'Life' is often used metaphorically to describe the essence or vitality of something, such as 'the life of the party' or 'the life force of nature.'
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'life' can vary significantly depending on the context. Always consider the surrounding words to determine the intended meaning.
Word Origin
Old English 'līf,' from Proto-Germanic 'libą,' meaning 'life, body, person,' from Proto-Indo-European 'leip-,' meaning 'to remain, persist.'
Usage Notes
The word 'life' is highly versatile and can refer to biological existence, the duration of existence, or the manner in which one lives. It is often used metaphorically to describe the essence or vitality of something.
Word Breakdown
life
the state of being alive
rootEnglish Dictionary