WordGarden.iolife
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈaɪf/
US
- /ˈlaɪf/
Meanings
Noun
living organisms or the state of being alive
a person's existence, experiences, or way of living
energy, spirit, or liveliness
More meaningsFewer meanings
the period during which someone or something lives, functions, or remains useful
life imprisonment; a sentence to remain in prison for the rest of one's life
Beyond the definition
Life is not just about breathing; it is the whole journey: the joys, sorrows, challenges, and victories that make up our existence. It can mean one person's time alive, as in "She lived a full life," or the wider idea of all living things, as in "The diversity of life on Earth is amazing." Sometimes, "life" also means the ordinary routines and struggles we face: "That's just life!" It is a way of saying that things do not always go as planned. You can think of it as the story that unfolds with every breath, every choice, and every connection.
The word "life" carries meaning far beyond its simple spelling. At its most basic, life refers to the condition that separates living things from nonliving matter: the state of being alive. This includes everything from the smallest bacteria to the largest whale, all sharing features like growth, reproduction, and the ability to adapt to their environment.
But "life" is rarely used so clinically. More often, it describes the period between birth and death for a particular individual: "He dedicated his life to helping others." It can also represent the quality and energy of someone's experiences—"She has a zest for life," meaning she enjoys living to the fullest. We talk about life lessons learned through hardship, life goals we strive to achieve, and the lifestyle choices that shape who we are.
The reach of "life" is not limited to the human experience either. It can refer to a written biography: "The author is writing a life of Marie Curie." It is also often used in a more figurative way to describe energy or how much usefulness remains: "This old car still has some life left in it." We even use it as a simple, powerful statement of gratitude: "Life is good!"
Philosophically, life explores the meaning of existence itself. It's a concept that has captivated thinkers for centuries, prompting questions about purpose, mortality, and our place in the universe. From the smallest seed sprouting to the grand sweep of history, "life" is a complex, multifaceted word representing the very essence of everything that is.
Examples
- 1
Personal history
He spent most of his life in a small town by the sea.
- 2
Medical emergency
Doctors worked through the night to save her life.
- 3
Fatal accident
Three people lost their lives in the accident.
- Phraselose your life
die
- 4
Other planets
Is there life on other planets?
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Healthy living
Exercise is an important part of a healthy life.
- 6
City living
City life can be exciting, but it can also be stressful.
- 7
Work balance
She wants a better work-life balance.
- 8
Aging
I learned later in life that it is okay to ask for help.
- Phraselater in life
when someone is older
- 9
Early opportunities
My parents gave me a good start in life.
- Phrasea good start in life
good early chances or conditions
- 10
Lifetime ban
He was banned from driving for life.
- Phrasefor life
for the rest of someone's life
- 11
Party energy
The party really came to life after the music started.
- Phrasecome to life
become active or exciting
- 12
Acting
The actor brings the character to life.
- Phrasebring something to life
make it seem real or interesting
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lifenoun
Forms
- livespluralnoun