finite-lived
|fi-ni-te---lived|
/ˈfaɪnaɪtˌlɪvd/
limited lifespan
Etymology
'finite-lived' is a compound formed from 'finite' and 'lived'. 'Finite' originates from Latin 'finitus' (from the verb 'finire'), related to 'finis' meaning 'end' or 'limit', while 'lived' derives from Old English 'libban'/'līf' (via the verb 'live') meaning 'to live'.
'Finite' entered English via Medieval Latin/Old French from Latin 'fīnitus' (past participle of 'fīnīre', 'to limit' or 'to end'), and 'live' comes from Old English 'libban'/'līf' evolving into Middle English 'liven' and modern 'live', with the past participle 'lived' used to form compounds like 'finite-lived'.
Initially, 'finite' meant 'limited' or 'bounded', and 'lived' referred simply to 'having life'; when combined as a compound, the sense evolved to specifically mean 'having a limited lifespan' or 'not lasting indefinitely'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of being finite-lived; having a limited lifespan or duration (formation/nominalization of the adjective).
The finite-livedness of many fashions makes historical study challenging.
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Adjective 1
having a limited duration or lifespan; not lasting indefinitely.
The species was finite-lived, surviving only a few thousand years before disappearing.
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Last updated: 2025/09/04 13:26