Langimage
English

survive

|sur/vive|

B1

🇺🇸

/sərˈvaɪv/

🇬🇧

/səˈvaɪv/

continue to live

Etymology
Etymology Information

'survive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'supervivere,' where 'super-' meant 'over' and 'vivere' meant 'to live.'

Historical Evolution

'supervivere' transformed into the Old French word 'sourvivre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'survive' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to live beyond,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to continue to live or exist.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship.

Many species have adapted to survive in harsh environments.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to remain alive after the death of another person.

She survived her husband by ten years.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35