Phrasal verb
live for
Definition
phrasal verb. to think of something or someone as the most important part of your life. You use this when you love an activity or person so much that they are your main reason for being happy.
phrasal verb. to regard something or someone as the primary motivation or purpose of one's existence. This phrasal verb is transitive and requires an object representing the source of one's passion.
Examples
“He lives for his music and practices every single night.”
“After a stressful week at the office, Sarah says she lives for her quiet Saturday mornings in the garden.”
“While many contemporary artists focus on fame, she truly lives for the process of painting, finding her only real fulfillment in the studio.”
Examples
simple
“He lives for his music and practices every single night.”
contextual
“After a stressful week at the office, Sarah says she lives for her quiet Saturday mornings in the garden.”
complex
“While many contemporary artists focus on fame, she truly lives for the process of painting, finding her only real fulfillment in the studio.”
Usage
This phrase is followed by a noun or a gerund to show what someone is passionate about.
Teaching tip
Contrast this with 'live on' to help students distinguish between survival needs and emotional passions.
Pitfall
She lives for travel the world.
She lives for traveling the world.
The preposition 'for' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form) rather than a base verb.
Phrasal verb
Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
live + for + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/live-for