Phrasal verb
live out
Definition
phrasal verb. To experience something in real life that you have only imagined or dreamed about before. It can also mean to spend the rest of your life in a certain way.
phrasal verb. To fulfill or realize a dream, fantasy, or ambition by experiencing it in reality. The verb is also used transitively to describe spending the remainder of a time period, such as one's life.
Examples
“She lives out her dream of being a pilot.”
“After years of saving, the retired couple finally moved to the coast to live out their dream of owning a small boat.”
“The protagonist's journey represents a psychological need to live out repressed desires within the safe confines of a fictional world.”
Examples
simple
“She lives out her dream of being a pilot.”
contextual
“After years of saving, the retired couple finally moved to the coast to live out their dream of owning a small boat.”
complex
“The protagonist's journey represents a psychological need to live out repressed desires within the safe confines of a fictional world.”
Usage
Usually followed by a noun representing a hope, dream, or a period of time like 'days' or 'life'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'act out' (which implies performing or pretending) versus 'live out' (which implies actually experiencing the reality).
Pitfall
He lived out from his fantasy.
He lived out his fantasy.
The phrasal verb is transitive and takes the dream or fantasy as a direct object without an extra preposition.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
live + out + 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
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