Word
outlive
Phoneticsout·live, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌaʊtˈɫɪv/
UK/aʊtlˈɪv/
Definition
v. to live longer than someone or something else. You use this when comparing the lifespan of two people or things.
v. to live for a longer period than another person or thing. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“The old oak tree will outlive us all.”
“Many people worry that their savings will not outlive them in an era of rising healthcare costs.”
“While the original building was demolished decades ago, the foundation stones managed to outlive the structure, serving as a silent testament to the city's architectural history.”
Examples
simple
“The old oak tree will outlive us all.”
contextual
“Many people worry that their savings will not outlive them in an era of rising healthcare costs.”
complex
“While the original building was demolished decades ago, the foundation stones managed to outlive the structure, serving as a silent testament to the city's architectural history.”
Real-World Examples
“The brook outlives us all, concluded Tennyson when he wrote it in 1886.” Etymology
From Middle English outliven, equivalent to out- + live.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/outlive