Alive vs. Live: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 11, 2023
"Alive" means living, not dead; "Live" refers to something happening in real-time or denotes life in "to live."
Key Differences
"Alive" is an adjective, often used to describe something that possesses life, like humans, animals, or plants. It signifies the state of living, as opposed to being dead. "Live," however, can be an adjective indicating something happening now, as in a "live broadcast," or a verb as in "to live somewhere" or "to live well."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2023
"Alive" is used to express the condition of life, especially in contrast to lifeless states. It doesn't have the present-tense urgency that "live" carries when used as an adjective. For instance, a broadcast isn't "alive," but it is "live" if it's being transmitted in real-time.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2023
"Alive" exclusively describes the state of living entities. It's not used for non-living things, even if they are active or operational. On the other hand, "live" can describe non-living things like broadcasts or performances, indicating they are occurring at the moment.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2023
"Alive" denotes a state of being, a condition of existence. It’s static, focusing on the presence of life in a being or organism. "Live," when used as a verb, denotes action, the act of living, which includes everything one does to sustain life, encompassing actions and experiences.
Harlon Moss
Nov 11, 2023
"Alive" and "live" both relate to life, but they are used in different grammatical contexts and cannot be used interchangeably. "Alive" doesn't imply action but a state, whereas "live" implies action or real-time occurrence when used as an adjective.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Alive and Live Definitions
Live
To conduct one's life in a particular manner.
She lives by her own rules.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Alive
Still existing, present, or in use.
Ancient traditions are still alive in this village.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
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Live
To support oneself; subsist
Living on rice and fish.
Lives on a small inheritance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To pursue a positive, satisfying existence; enjoy life
Those who truly live.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
Having life; living; not dead.
As long as the plant is alive, he will continue to water it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
In a state of action; in force or operation; existent.
To keep the fire alive
To keep the affections alive
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
Busy with activity of many living beings; swarming; thronged; busy.
Although quite dull during the day, the main street comes alive at night, with many bars and clubs opening.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
(of electrical wiring) Carrying electrical current; energized.
DANGER: OVERHEAD CATENARY - WIRE IS ALIVE
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
Susceptible, sensitive; easy to impress; having keen feelings, as opposed to apathy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Of, related to, or occurring during the life of one that is living
A live birth.
The live weight of an animal before being slaughtered.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(Informal) Full of life, excitement, or activity; lively
A live crowd at the parade.
A live party.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
Having life, in opposition to dead; living; being in a state in which the organs perform their functions; as, an animal or a plant which is alive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
In a state of action; in force or operation; unextinguished; unexpired; existent; as, to keep the fire alive; to keep the affections alive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
Exhibiting the activity and motion of many living beings; swarming; thronged.
The Boyne, for a quarter of a mile, was alive with muskets and green boughs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(Electricity) Carrying an electric current or energized with electricity
Live cables lying dangerously on the ground.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
Having susceptibility; easily impressed; having lively feelings, as opposed to apathy; sensitive.
Tremblingly alive to nature's laws.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Broadcast while actually being performed; not taped, filmed, or recorded
A live television program.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
Of all living (by way of emphasis).
Northumberland was the proudest man alive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Involving performers or spectators who are physically present
Live entertainment.
A live audience.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
Possessing life;
The happiest person alive
The nerve is alive
Doctors are working hard to keep him alive
Burned alive
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Of, relating to, or containing living bacteria or active viruses, sometimes in an attenuated form
Live yogurt cultures.
A live measles vaccine.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
(often followed by `with') full of life and spirit;
She was wonderfully alive for her age
A face alive with mischief
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
Having life or vigor or spirit;
An animated and expressive face
Animated conversation
Became very animated when he heard the good news
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
At, during, or from the time of actual occurrence or performance
The landing on the moon was telecast live.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
In operation;
Keep hope alive
The tradition was still alive
An active tradition
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(intransitive) To be alive; to have life.
He's not expected to live for more than a few months.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
(usually followed by `to') showing acute awareness; mentally perceptive;
Alert to the problems
Alive to what is going on
Awake to the dangers of her situation
Was now awake to the reality of his predicament
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(intransitive) To have permanent residence somewhere, to inhabit, to reside.
I live at 2a Acacia Avenue.
He lives in LA, but he's staying here over the summer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(of an object) to have its proper place; to normally be stored.
I washed your gravy boat. Where does it live?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Alive
Aware of and interested in; responsive to.
He's very much alive to the dangers of his job.
Sara Rehman
Oct 21, 2023
Live
(intransitive) To endure in memory; to escape oblivion.
Her memory lives in that song.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To cope.
You'll just have to live with it!
I can't live in a world without you.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(intransitive) To pass life in a specified manner.
It is difficult to live in poverty.
And they lived happily ever after.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(transitive) To spend, as one's life; to pass; to maintain; to continue in, constantly or habitually.
To live an idle or a useful life.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(transitive) To act habitually in conformity with; to practice; to exemplify in one's way of life.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(intransitive) To outlast danger; to float (said of a ship, boat, etc).
No ship could live in such a storm.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To maintain or support one's existence; to provide for oneself; to feed; to subsist.
It is hard to live on the minimum wage.
They lived on stale bread.
Man shall not live by bread alone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To make the most of life; to experience a full, rich life.
I'm sick of spending every day studying at home: I want to go out there and live!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(only used attributively) Having life; that is alive.
The post office will not ship live animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Being in existence; actual.
He is a live example of the consequences of excessive drinking.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Having active properties; being energized.
Because the vaccinia virus is live, it is important to follow care instructions for the vaccination site.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(programming) Of an object or value: that may potentially be used in the future execution of a program.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(engineering) Imparting power; having motion.
The live spindle of a lathe
A live, or driving, axle
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(broadcasting) Being broadcast ("on the air"), as it happens.
The station presented a live news program every evening.
Are we live?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(of a performance or speech) In person.
This nightclub has a live band on weekends.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Of firearms or explosives, capable of causing harm.
The air force practices dropping live bombs on the uninhabited island.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Of an environment where sound is recorded: having noticeable reverberation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(circuitry) Electrically charged or energized, usually indicating that the item may cause electrocution if touched.
Use caution when working near live wires.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(poker) Being a bet which can be raised by the bettor, usually in reference to a blind or straddle.
Tommy's blind was live, so he was given the option to raise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(film) Featuring humans; not animated, in the phrases “live actors” or “live action”.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Of an event, as it happens; in real time; direct.
The concert was broadcast live by radio.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Of making a performance or speech, in person.
He'll be appearing live at the auditorium.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To be alive; to have life; to have, as an animal or a plant, the capacity of assimilating matter as food, and to be dependent on such assimilation for a continuance of existence; as, animals and plants that live to a great age are long in reaching maturity.
Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will . . . lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To pass one's time; to pass life or time in a certain manner, as to habits, conduct, or circumstances; as, to live in ease or affluence; to live happily or usefully.
O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To make one's abiding place or home; to abide; to dwell; to reside; as, to live in a cottage by the sea.
Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To be or continue in existence; to exist; to remain; to be permanent; to last; - said of inanimate objects, ideas, etc.
Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtuesWe write in water.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To enjoy or make the most of life; to be in a state of happiness; as, people want not just to exist, but to live.
What greater curse could envious fortune giveThan just to die when I began to live?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To feed; to subsist; to be nourished or supported; - with on; as, horses live on grass and grain.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To have a spiritual existence; to be quickened, nourished, and actuated by divine influence or faith.
The just shall live by faith.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To be maintained in life; to acquire a livelihood; to subsist; - with on or by; as, to live on spoils.
Those who live by labor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To outlast danger; to float; - said of a ship, boat, etc.; as, no ship could live in such a storm.
A strong mast that lived upon the sea.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To spend, as one's life; to pass; to maintain; to continue in, constantly or habitually; as, to live an idle or a useful life.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Having life; alive; living; not dead.
If one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Being in a state of ignition; burning; having active properties; as, a live coal; live embers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Full of earnestness; active; wide awake; glowing; as, a live man, or orator.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Imparting power; having motion; as, the live spindle of a lathe; live steam.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Being transmitted instantaneously, as events occur, in contrast to recorded.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Still in active play; - of a ball being used in a game; as, a live ball.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Pertaining to an entertainment event which was performed (and possibly recorded) in front of an audience; contrasted to performances recorded in a studio without an audience.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Make one's home or live in;
She resides officially in Iceland
I live in a 200-year old house
These people inhabited all the islands that are now deserted
The plains are sparsely populated
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Lead a certain kind of life; live in a certain style;
We had to live frugally after the war
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Continue to live; endure or last;
We went without water and food for 3 days
These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America
The racecar driver lived through several very serious accidents
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Support oneself;
He could barely exist on such a low wage
Can you live on $2000 a month in New York City?
Many people in the world have to subsist on $1 a day
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Have life, be alive;
Our great leader is no more
My grandfather lived until the end of war
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Have firsthand knowledge of states, situations, emotions, or sensations;
I know the feeling!
Have you ever known hunger?
I have lived a kind of hell when I was a drug addict
The holocaust survivors have lived a nightmare
I lived through two divorces
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Pursue a positive and satisfying existence;
You must accept yourself and others if you really want to live
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Actually being performed at the time of hearing or viewing;
A live television program
Brought to you live from Lincoln Center
Live entertainment involves performers actually in the physical presence of a live audience
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Showing characteristics of life; exerting force or containing energy;
Live coals
Tossed a live cigarette out the window
Got a shock from a live wire
Live ore is unmined ore
A live bomb
A live ball is one in play
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Rebounds readily;
Clean bouncy hair
A lively tennis ball
As resiliant as seasoned hickory
Springy turf
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
In current use or ready for use;
Live copy is ready to be set in type or already set but not yet proofread
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Having life;
A live canary
Hit a live nerve
Famous living painters
Living tissue
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
(Of a musical performance) performed by people.
I prefer live concerts to recorded music.
Sara Rehman
Oct 21, 2023
FAQs
Are "Alive" and "Live" interchangeable?
No, "Alive" is a state, while "Live" indicates real-time or life actions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2023
Can you be "Alive" but not "Live"?
Yes, if "Live" means occurring presently, not being dead.
Harlon Moss
Nov 11, 2023
Does "Alive" mean functioning?
For living beings, it means living; not "functioning" in a mechanical sense.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 11, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
