ENGLISH
REFERENCE

surviving

v.
B1 Intermediate US //sɝˈvaɪvɪŋ// UK //səvˈaɪvɪŋ// sur·viv·ing

v. continuing to live or exist, especially after a dangerous event or a difficult time. You use this when someone stays alive or something stays in use despite challenges.

v. continuing to live or exist after a specific event, ordeal, or period of time. The present participle form of 'survive', often used to describe the state of remaining alive or functional in adverse conditions.


SIMPLE

The hikers are surviving on berries and rainwater.

CONTEXTUAL

After the massive storm, the family spent three days surviving without electricity or running water until help arrived.

COMPLEX

The ancient manuscript is barely surviving the humid conditions of the basement, with several pages already showing signs of significant mold damage and ink degradation.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often used with the preposition 'on' to indicate the means of staying alive.

Pitfall

He is surviving to the crashHe is surviving the crashSurvive is transitive when referring to an event; it does not require the preposition 'to'.

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