Endure vs. Survive: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 28, 2023
Endure means to suffer patiently through adversity, while survive means to continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship.
Key Differences
Endure and survive are words often used to describe dealing with adverse situations, but they have nuanced differences. To endure is to bear or withstand something difficult or painful, often displaying tolerance, patience, or resilience. It generally implies experiencing hardship without succumbing to it, depicting a sense of sustained suffering or toleration. Conversely, to survive is primarily concerned with continuing to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship. It emphasizes the aspect of overcoming threats to one’s existence and carrying on beyond them.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Exploring the word endure further, it is rooted in the idea of resilience and persistence. It implies a steady and continuous facing of adversity, often implying a sense of strength and determination. For instance, an individual may endure pain or hardship, symbolizing a continued existence in the face of distress, without necessarily overcoming it. It implies dealing with discomfort or challenge, often over extended periods, highlighting the aspect of perseverance and tolerance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
The concept of survive, on the other hand, focuses on the continuation of life or existence despite adverse conditions. It’s often linked with the overcoming of life-threatening situations or conditions, suggesting a victory over potential demise. For example, a plant might survive harsh winter conditions, indicating that it has successfully navigated environmental threats to its existence, emerging alive on the other side. It’s associated more with the overcoming of existential threats rather than the enduring of discomfort or adversity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
While both endure and survive involve dealing with adversity, the emphasis of each word is different. Endure emphasizes the process of going through hardship, often portraying a scene of ongoing struggle or patience. It’s about withstanding and bearing, emphasizing resilience. In contrast, survive is about the outcome, focusing on the continuation of existence post adversity. It represents the aftermath, denoting the act of remaining alive or in existence after facing potential destruction or death.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
To suffer patiently through adversity
To continue to live or exist in spite of danger or hardship
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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Focus
On the process of experiencing hardship
On the outcome of overcoming adversity
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Implication
Resilience, tolerance, and patience
Overcoming, continuation of existence
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Usage
More about withstanding discomfort or challenge
More about continuation of life post adversity
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Example
One might endure pain or hardship
One might survive an accident or illness
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Endure and Survive Definitions
Endure
To bear or withstand pain, difficulty, or adversity patiently.
Despite the severe weather, the hikers decided to endure and press forward.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
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Survive
To remain alive after the death of someone.
He survived his spouse by two years.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Endure
To remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding.
The ancient structure has endured through centuries.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Survive
To continue to function or prosper despite adverse conditions.
The small business managed to survive during the economic downturn.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Endure
To tolerate or accept an unpleasant or disliked situation.
She endured years of loneliness.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Survive
To endure and overcome adversity or challenges.
The ancient tradition has survived through many generations.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
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Endure
To sustain without impairment or yielding.
The legacy of the great philosopher will endure through ages.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Endure
To undergo especially without giving in; to suffer.
He had to endure numerous hardships during his journey.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Survive
To carry on despite hardships or trauma; persevere
Families that were surviving in tents after the flood.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
To carry on through, despite hardships; undergo or suffer
Endure an Arctic winter.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
To continue in existence; last
Buildings that have endured for centuries.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
To live, persist, or remain usable through
Plants that can survive frosts.
A clock that survived a fall.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
To cope with (a trauma or setback); persevere after
Survived child abuse.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
(intransitive) To continue or carry on, despite obstacles or hardships; to persist.
The singer's popularity endured for decades.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
(transitive) To live longer than; to outlive.
His children survived him; he was survived by his children.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
To remain firm, as under trial or suffering; to suffer patiently or without yielding; to bear up under adversity; to hold out.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
(transitive) To live past a life-threatening event.
He did not survive the accident.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
(transitive) To be a victim of usually non-fatal harm, to honor and empower the strength of an individual to heal, in particular a living victim of sexual abuse or assault.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
Of a team, to avoid relegation or demotion to a lower division or league.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
To continue in the same state without perishing; to last; to remain.
Their verdure still endure.
He shall hold it [his house] fast, but it shall not endure.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
To live beyond the life or existence of; to live longer than; to outlive; to outlast; as, to survive a person or an event.
I'll assure her ofHer widowhood, be it that she survive me,In all my lands and leases whatsoever.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
To remain firm, as under trial or suffering; to suffer patiently or without yielding; to bear up under adversity; to hold out.
Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong in the days that I shall deal with thee?
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
To remain alive; to continue to live.
Thy pleasure,Which, when no other enemy survives,Still conquers all the conquerors.
Alike are life and death,When life in death survives.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
To remain firm under; to sustain; to undergo; to support without breaking or yielding; as, metals endure a certain degree of heat without melting; to endure wind and weather.
Both were of shining steel, and wrought so pure,As might the strokes of two such arms endure.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
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
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
To bear with patience; to suffer without opposition or without sinking under the pressure or affliction; to bear up under; to put up with; to tolerate.
I will no longer endure it.
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake.
How can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people?
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
Continue in existence after (an adversity, etc.);
He survived the cancer against all odds
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
To harden; to toughen; to make hardy.
Manly limbs endured with little ease.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Survive
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
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
Put up with something or somebody unpleasant;
I cannot bear his constant criticism
The new secretary had to endure a lot of unprofessional remarks
He learned to tolerate the heat
She stuck out two years in a miserable marriage
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
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
Dec 25, 2022
Endure
Undergo or be subjected to;
He suffered the penalty
Many saints suffered martyrdom
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 25, 2022
FAQs
Is survive only about living through dangerous situations?
Primarily, but it also denotes continuing existence or prosperity despite adversity or challenges.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Does enduring imply eventual overcoming?
Not necessarily; endure emphasizes experiencing, often with resilience, but not necessarily overcoming.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Does endure always imply suffering?
Generally, endure implies undergoing discomfort, hardship, or suffering without yielding.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Does survive imply overcoming a threat to existence?
Yes, survive typically implies overcoming existential threats or adverse conditions.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Can endure mean to tolerate?
Yes, endure can also mean to tolerate or put up with something unpleasant.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can plants and animals be said to survive?
Absolutely, plants and animals can survive environmental conditions, predators, or other threats.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Does enduring have a time aspect?
Typically, endure does have a time aspect, implying sustained experience over a period.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Can endure be used in positive contexts?
It is usually used in contexts of hardship or difficulty, but it might be used positively, emphasizing resilience.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can non-living entities survive?
In a metaphorical sense, ideas, traditions, or structures can be said to survive, meaning they continue to exist.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is the term survive related to survival?
Yes, survive is related to survival, both denoting the continuation of life or existence amidst adversity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is endurance related to endure?
Yes, endurance is the ability or power to endure prolonged stressful or adverse situations.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Can survival be involuntary?
Survival can be instinctual and involuntary, often driven by basic biological responses.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can a memory or a legacy endure?
Yes, a memory, legacy, or impact can endure, meaning it continues to exist or be remembered over time.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can one endure positive experiences?
Typically, endure is used for uncomfortable, painful, or difficult experiences rather than positive ones.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can surviving imply thriving?
Surviving primarily implies continuation of existence; thriving would imply prospering beyond mere survival.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 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
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
