Life vs. Live: What's the Difference?
By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 17, 2023
"Life" refers to existence, living, or lifespan. "Live" is the act of existing with vitality or broadcasting in real-time.
Key Differences
"Life" is a noun, denoting the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death. "Live," an adjective or verb, relates to all things directly involving the immediate, original, or actual performance or events (as in a live broadcast) or to reside (as in to live in a place).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
"Life" encompasses the experiences, stages, and existential nature of beings, creating a narrative of one's existence from birth to death. "Live" implies something occurring in real-time, such as a live show, or describes the state of living or existing.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
In discussing "life," we delve into philosophical, biological, and existential themes, contemplating the essence, meaning, and quality of existence. In contrast, "live" can signify the immediacy or currentness of an action or event, often used to convey a sense of excitement, urgency, or authenticity.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
The word "life" serves to express the totality of experiences and processes that form the existence of an individual or organism. "Live," on the other hand, can denote a state of active existence or be used to describe events broadcasted or performed without prior recording.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
"Life" can symbolize longevity, legacy, and the human experience, often stimulating deep reflection or inquiry. "Live," however, communicates immediacy, presence, and direct engagement, whether in performance, broadcast, or one's place of residence.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Existence of an individual or organism.
To exist or be carried out in real time.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Contextual Meaning
Refers to being in existence or the experience of existence.
Pertains to immediate, ongoing events or residing somewhere.
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Nov 16, 2023
Usage
Describes the existence or essence of a being.
Indicates something happening now or existing.
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Nov 16, 2023
Grammatical Role
Subject or object in a sentence.
Action or descriptor in a sentence.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
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Life and Live Definitions
Life
The existence of an individual human being or animal.
Every life has intrinsic value.
Janet White
Oct 24, 2023
Life
The period between the birth and death of a living thing.
She had a long, happy life.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 24, 2023
Life
A biography or the true experiences of a person.
He wrote a book about his life.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
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Life
The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organism.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
Broadcast or performed at the time of occurrence.
The concert was broadcast live.
Sara Rehman
Oct 24, 2023
Life
A living being, especially a person
An earthquake that claimed hundreds of lives.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Live
To support oneself; subsist
Living on rice and fish.
Lives on a small inheritance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Life
The physical, mental, and spiritual experiences that constitute existence
The artistic life of a writer.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The interval of time between one's birth and the present
Has had hay fever all his life.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
To pursue a positive, satisfying existence; enjoy life
Those who truly live.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The period from an occurrence until death
Elected for life.
Paralyzed for life.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The time for which something exists or functions
The useful life of a car.
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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.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
Human existence, relationships, or activity in general
Real life.
Everyday life.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
(Informal) Full of life, excitement, or activity; lively
A live crowd at the parade.
A live party.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
A specific, characteristic manner of existence. Used of inanimate objects
“Great institutions seem to have a life of their own, independent of those who run them” (New Republic).
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The activities and interests of a particular area or realm
Musical life in New York.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
(Electricity) Carrying an electric current or energized with electricity
Live cables lying dangerously on the ground.
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Life
Something that actually exists regarded as a subject for an artist
Painted from life.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Broadcast while actually being performed; not taped, filmed, or recorded
A live television program.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Involving performers or spectators who are physically present
Live entertainment.
A live audience.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
Of or relating to animate existence; involved in or necessary for living
Life processes.
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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
Life
(uncountable) The state of organisms preceding their death, characterized by biological processes such as metabolism and reproduction and distinguishing them from inanimate objects; the state of being alive and living.
Having experienced both, the vampire decided that he preferred (un)death to life.
He gave up on life.
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.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
(biology) The status possessed by any of a number of entities, including animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and sometimes viruses, which have the properties of replication and metabolism.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
(intransitive) To be alive; to have life.
He's not expected to live for more than a few months.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The animating principle or force that keeps an inorganic thing or concept metaphorically alive (dynamic, relevant, etc) and makes it a "living document", "living constitution", etc.
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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
Life
Lifeforms, generally or collectively.
It's life, but not as we know it.
She discovered plant life on the planet.
The rover discovered signs of life on the alien world.
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
Life
(countable) A living individual; the fact of a particular individual being alive. Chiefly when indicating individuals were lost (died) or saved.
Many lives were lost during the war.
Her quick thinking saved many dogs' lives.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Life
Existence.
Man's life on this planet has been marked by continual conflict.
The eternal life of the soul
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
(intransitive) To endure in memory; to escape oblivion.
Her memory lives in that song.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Life
A worthwhile existence.
He gets up early in the morning, works all day long — even on weekends — and hardly sees his family. That's no life!
His life was ruined by drugs.
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
Life
A particular aspect of existence.
He struggled to balance his family life, social life and work life.
Sex life, political life
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
Life
Something which is inherently part of a person's existence, such as job, family, a loved one, etc.
She's my love, my life.
Running the bakery is her 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
Life
The period during which one (a person, an animal, a plant; a civilization, species; a star; etc) is alive.
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
Life
The span of time during which an object operates.
This light bulb is designed to have a life of 2,000 hours.
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
Life
The period of time during which an object is recognizable.
The life of this milk carton may be thousands of years in this landfill.
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
Life
A period extending from a when a (positive or negative) office, punishment, etc is conferred on someone until that person dies (or, sometimes, reaches retirement age).
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Being in existence; actual.
He is a live example of the consequences of excessive drinking.
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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.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
(programming) Of an object or value: that may potentially be used in the future execution of a program.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
(engineering) Imparting power; having motion.
The live spindle of a lathe
A live, or driving, axle
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
(video games) One of the player's chances to play, lost when the player's character dies or when certain mistakes are made.
Scoring 1000 points is rewarded with an extra life.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
A chance for the batter (or batting team) to bat again, given as a result of an misplay by a member of the fielding team.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
One of a player's chances to play in various children's playground games, lost when a mistake is made, for example being struck by the ball in dodgeball.
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
Life
(countable) A life assured under a life assurance policy (equivalent to the policy itself for a single life contract).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Life
(aviation) To replace components whose operational lifetime has expired.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Of firearms or explosives, capable of causing harm.
The air force practices dropping live bombs on the uninhabited island.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Of an environment where sound is recorded: having noticeable reverberation.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The state of being which begins with generation, birth, or germination, and ends with death; also, the time during which this state continues; that state of an animal or plant in which all or any of its organs are capable of performing all or any of their functions; - used of all animal and vegetable organisms.
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
Life
Of human beings: The union of the soul and body; also, the duration of their union; sometimes, the deathless quality or existence of the soul; as, man is a creature having an immortal life.
She shows a body rather than a life.
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
Life
The potential principle, or force, by which the organs of animals and plants are started and continued in the performance of their several and coöperative functions; the vital force, whether regarded as physical or spiritual.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
(film) Featuring humans; not animated, in the phrases “live actors” or “live action”.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Life
Figuratively: The potential or animating principle, also, the period of duration, of anything that is conceived of as resembling a natural organism in structure or functions; as, the life of a state, a machine, or a book; authority is the life of government.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Life
A certain way or manner of living with respect to conditions, circumstances, character, conduct, occupation, etc.; hence, human affairs; also, lives, considered collectively, as a distinct class or type; as, low life; a good or evil life; the life of Indians, or of miners.
That which before us lies in daily life.
By experience of life abroad in the world.
Lives of great men all remind usWe can make our lives sublime.
'T is from high life high characters are drawn.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Life
Animation; spirit; vivacity; vigor; energy.
No notion of life and fire in fancy and in words.
That gives thy gestures grace and life.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
That which imparts or excites spirit or vigor; that upon which enjoyment or success depends; as, he was the life of the company, or of the enterprise.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The living or actual form, person, thing, or state; as, a picture or a description from, the life.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
A person; a living being, usually a human being; as, many lives were sacrificed.
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
Life
The system of animal nature; animals in general, or considered collectively.
Full nature swarms with life.
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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
Life
An essential constituent of life, esp: the blood.
The words that I speak unto you . . . they are life.
The warm life came issuing through the wound.
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.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
A history of the acts and events of a life; a biography; as, Johnson wrote the life of Milton.
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
Life
Enjoyment in the right use of the powers; especially, a spiritual existence; happiness in the favor of God; heavenly felicity.
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
Life
Something dear to one as one's existence; a darling; - used as a term of endearment.
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
Life
The course of existence of an individual; the actions and events that occur in living;
He hoped for a new life in Australia
He wanted to live his own life without interference from others
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
To feed; to subsist; to be nourished or supported; - with on; as, horses live on grass and grain.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The experience of living; the course of human events and activities;
He could no longer cope with the complexities of life
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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.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The condition of living or the state of being alive;
While there's life there's hope
Life depends on many chemical and physical processes
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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
Life
The period during which something is functional (as between birth and death);
The battery had a short life
He lived a long and happy life
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.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The period between birth and the present time;
I have known him all his life
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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
Life
Animation and energy in action or expression;
It was a heavy play and the actors tried in vain to give life to it
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.
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
The period from the present until death;
He appointed himself emperor for life
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Being in a state of ignition; burning; having active properties; as, a live coal; live embers.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Full of earnestness; active; wide awake; glowing; as, a live man, or orator.
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Imparting power; having motion; as, the live spindle of a lathe; live steam.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Life
The organic phenomenon that distinguishes living organisms from nonliving ones;
There is no life on the moon
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Oct 13, 2023
Life
A prison term lasting as long as the prisoner lives;
He got life for killing the guard
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Being transmitted instantaneously, as events occur, in contrast to recorded.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Life
The condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter.
Life thrives in diverse forms on Earth.
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Oct 24, 2023
Live
Still in active play; - of a ball being used in a game; as, a live ball.
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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
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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
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Rebounds readily;
Clean bouncy hair
A lively tennis ball
As resiliant as seasoned hickory
Springy turf
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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
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Oct 13, 2023
Live
Having life;
A live canary
Hit a live nerve
Famous living painters
Living tissue
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
What does "live" mean in broadcasting?
It means the broadcast is happening in real time, not recorded.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Are "life" and "live" interchangeable?
No, "life" is a noun, while "live" can be an adjective or verb with different meanings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Can "live" mean "alive"?
Yes, as an adjective, it means something is living or not recorded.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Does "life" only refer to human existence?
No, it refers to the existence of any living organism.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Can "life" refer to the lifespan of anything?
Typically, it refers to living organisms, not inanimate objects.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
What's the verb form of "life"?
"Life" doesn't have a verb form. "Live" is the verb, as in "to live."
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
Does "live" imply real-time events?
Yes, especially in performances or broadcasts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
What does "quality of life" mean?
It refers to the general well-being of individuals or societies.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Can "live" refer to residing somewhere?
Yes, it can mean to inhabit or dwell.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
What does "live wire" mean?
It can mean an energetic person or an electrified wire.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
What does "live off" something mean?
It means to use something as a source of sustenance.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
Is "live" used for animals?
Yes, in the context of them being alive or in their natural habitat.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
What does "live up to" something mean?
It means to meet an expected standard.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Does "life" only concern physical existence?
No, it can also refer to spiritual or conceptual existence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 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.
