Langimage
English

lives

|lives|

A1

/laɪvz/

(live)

existence or real-time

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeNounAdjective
liveliveslivedlivedlivingmore livablemost livablelifeliving
Etymology
Etymology Information

'live' (and by extension plural 'lives') originates from Old English, specifically the verb 'līfian' and the noun 'līf', where 'līf' meant 'life' or 'body'.

Historical Evolution

'līf' (Old English) gave rise to the noun 'life' in Middle English; the verb form 'līfian' developed into Middle English 'liven'/'lyven' and eventually modern English 'live', with the plural 'lives' forming from the noun 'life'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, related forms meant 'life' or 'to have life'; over time the verb broadened to include 'to reside' and 'to experience', while the noun retained meanings connected to existence and ways of living.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

plural of 'life': the condition that distinguishes living organisms from inorganic matter; the state of being alive.

Many lives were saved after the rescue operation.

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Noun 2

plural of 'life': the everyday experience or way of living of people (their lifestyle or circumstances).

Their lives changed dramatically after the move.

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Verb 1

third-person singular present of 'live': to have life; to be alive.

She lives in a small town by the sea.

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diesperishes

Verb 2

third-person singular present of 'live': to spend life in a specified way or to experience (e.g., 'lives a quiet life', 'lives through hardships').

He lives modestly despite his wealth.

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Last updated: 2025/10/02 07:22