# live

/ˈɫaɪv/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/live
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to be alive

verb · CEFR A1

to be alive and have life.

For teachers: to have life; to be in a state of biological existence.

- Some species of desert plants can live for over a hundred years.
- Biologists are still discovering organisms that live in extreme conditions near volcanic vents on the ocean floor.

### 2. to have a home

verb · CEFR A1

to have your permanent home in a particular place.

For teachers: to reside or inhabit a specific location permanently or for a significant duration.

- I live in a small apartment near the city centre.
- After years of moving between different cities, she finally decided to live in a quiet coastal village.

### 4. broadcast as it happens

adjective · CEFR A2

broadcast on TV, radio, or the internet at the same time it is happening.

For teachers: broadcast in real time; not pre-recorded.

- The news reporter is giving a live update from the scene of the accident.
- The network decided to air a live broadcast of the debate to ensure viewers received the information without any editorial delays.

### 5. performing in person

adjective · CEFR A2

performing in front of an audience rather than on a recording.

For teachers: performed in person before an audience; relating to a performance that is not a studio recording.

- I prefer listening to live music because the atmosphere is much better.
- The band's live performance was far more energetic than their polished studio albums had suggested.

### 6. carrying electricity

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

connected to a source of electricity and dangerous to touch.

For teachers: electrically charged or energized; capable of delivering a shock if contacted.

- Be careful not to touch that live wire while you are fixing the lamp.
- The electrician used a voltage tester to confirm whether the circuit was still live before beginning the repairs.

### 7. not animated

adjective · CEFR B1

using real people instead of drawings or computer images.

For teachers: featuring human actors rather than being animated or computer-generated.

- The studio is making a live-action version of the classic cartoon.
- Critics debated whether the live-action remake could capture the whimsical charm of the original hand-drawn animation.

### 8. happening now

adverb · CEFR B1

at the same time as an event is happening.

For teachers: in a live manner; during the actual occurrence of an event.

- The match is being shown live on Channel 4 tonight.
- The space agency streamed the rocket launch live to millions of viewers across the globe.

## Examples

- I live in a small apartment near the park.
- Many young professionals choose to live in the city center to be closer to their offices and social hubs.
- The indigenous tribes have continued to live in harmony with the rainforest for centuries, developing a deep understanding of the local ecosystem without disrupting its delicate balance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.