Definition of Live
Quick Meaning of Live
To be alive; to have your home or exist in a specific place.
Detailed Definition of Live
To remain alive; to exist or have your life in a particular place or condition.
How to Pronounce Live
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Rhymes with 'give', not 'alive': /lɪv/ with short 'i' sound. Do not pronounce like 'alive' /laɪv/.
Watch out: Often mispronounced /laɪv/ (like alive); correct pronunciation is /lɪv/ (like give).
Origin and Etymology of Live
From Old English 'libban', meaning to remain in life; Germanic root common to English and German 'Leben'.
How to Use Live in a Sentence
Each example shows “live” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“I live in a small apartment near the city center.”
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“My grandparents lived to be over ninety years old.”
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“Many people aspire to live sustainably by reducing their environmental footprint.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Live
Common Synonyms for Live
Smart Synonyms for Live — When to Use Each
- reside
- for formal writing about where one's home is
- dwell
- for literary or poetic descriptions of inhabiting
- exist
- for being alive or present in any manner
Antonyms of Live
Common Collocations with Live
These phrases pair with “live” in everyday English:
- live together
- live alone
- live in a city
- live a life
- live by rules
Common Mistakes When Using Live
Even fluent speakers slip up with “live”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She live in Paris for five years.
- ✓ Correct: She has lived in Paris for five years.
- Why: Present perfect 'has lived' is required for duration starting in the past and continuing now. Use 'has' with 'lived'.
- ✗ Wrong: They living together since last month.
- ✓ Correct: They have been living together since last month.
- Why: Use present perfect continuous 'have been living' for actions that started in the past and continue now.
Words Confused With Live
- Live vs Live (adj, pronounced /laɪv/): Different pronunciation: verb /lɪv/ (rhymes with give); adjective /laɪv/ (rhymes with alive) meaning broadcast in real time.
Other Forms of Live
Frequently Asked Questions About Live
What is the meaning of "Live"?
To be alive; to have your home or exist in a specific place.
How do you pronounce "Live"?
The IPA is /lɪv/. Rhymes with 'give', not 'alive': /lɪv/ with short 'i' sound. Do not pronounce like 'alive' /laɪv/.
What part of speech is "Live"?
"Live" is a verb at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Live"?
Common synonyms include reside, dwell, exist.
How do you use "Live" in a sentence?
For example: "I live in a small apartment near the city center."