Word
living thing
Definition
compound. any life form that can grow, breathe, and reproduce, such as a person, animal, or plant.
compound. a biological organism that exhibits the characteristics of life, including metabolism, growth, and response to stimuli. Used as a countable noun to distinguish organic life from inanimate objects.
Examples
“Every living thing needs water to survive.”
“The scientist studied how every living thing in the pond interacted with the environment.”
“The ethical debate centered on whether a virus should be classified as a living thing or merely a complex organic structure.”
Examples
simple
“Every living thing needs water to survive.”
contextual
“The scientist studied how every living thing in the pond interacted with the environment.”
complex
“The ethical debate centered on whether a virus should be classified as a living thing or merely a complex organic structure.”
Usage
usually functions as a countable noun and often appears in the plural form 'living things'.
Teaching tip
use this to teach the distinction between 'living' (biological state) and 'alive' (adjective); 'living thing' is a standard compound for 'organism' in non-scientific contexts.
Related words
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/living-thing