live
A1 (Adjective/Adverb), A2 (Verb)Neutral, used across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
To be alive; to have life. / (adj./adv.) Happening or existing in real time, not recorded.
As a verb: to reside, to spend one's life in a particular way, to survive. As an adjective/adverb: transmitted at the moment of occurrence, containing active current.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'to live' (/lɪv/) and the adjective/adverb 'live' (/laɪv/) are a classic case of heterophonic homographs. Their meanings are semantically linked (alive vs. happening as if alive/now).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'liveable' (UK) vs. 'livable' (US). In sports, 'live ball' is common in both. Minor differences in collocation frequency.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. The adjective 'live' (as in broadcast) carries the same technical meaning.
Frequency
The verb is extremely high frequency in both. The adjective/adverb form is common in media/tech contexts universally.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
live + ADVERB (live abroad)live + PREP PHRASE (live in a flat)live + ADJECTIVE (live happy)live + to-INFINITIVE (live to see)live + DIRECT OBJECT (live a lie/fantasy/dream)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “live it up”
- “live and let live”
- “live from hand to mouth”
- “live wire (energetic person)”
- “as I live and breathe”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We'll be streaming the earnings call live." (adj.)
Academic
"The study observed the animals in their live habitat." (adj.)
Everyday
"Where do you live?" (verb) / "Is this programme live?" (adj.)
Technical
"Do not touch the live terminal." (adj., electrical) / "Initiating live migration of the virtual machine." (adj., computing)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They live in a small village in Cornwall.
- He lives for his weekend football matches.
- Can we live more sustainably?
American English
- They live in a small town in Vermont.
- She lives for her weekend hiking trips.
- How can we live more frugally?
adverb
British English
- The concert is being broadcast live on the BBC.
- He answered questions live on air.
- The match is being shown live.
American English
- The awards show is airing live on TV.
- She took calls live on the radio.
- The game is being streamed live.
adjective
British English
- There's a great live music scene in Bristol.
- The plug was still live, so don't touch it!
- We're going to a live recording of the radio show.
American English
- There's great live music in Austin.
- That wire is live, so be careful!
- We're watching a live taping of the talk show.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I live with my family. (verb)
- We watch the news live at six. (adverb)
- Is your fish still live? (adj.)
- They live quite comfortably on his salary. (verb)
- The band sounds better live than on their album. (adverb)
- Be careful, that's a live electrical cable! (adj.)
- He lived to see his grandchildren grow up. (verb)
- The debate will be televised live to the nation. (adverb)
- Social media is a live issue for the government. (adj. = current/debated)
- She has lived a life of extraordinary privilege. (verb)
- The pressure of performing live is immense. (adverb)
- The theory remains a live option among scholars. (adj. = viable/active)
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: I 'live' (/lɪv/) my life, but I watch 'live' (/laɪv/) TV. The longer vowel sound in 'life' matches the longer vowel in 'live' (/laɪv/).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY ('live through hard times'), LIFE IS A POSSESSION ('live a full life'), BEING ACTIVE/PRESENT IS BEING ALIVE ('live broadcast', 'live wire').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing verb 'live' (/lɪv/) with adjective 'живой' (which corresponds to 'live' /laɪv/).
- Using 'life' (noun) incorrectly for the verb 'to live'.
- Overusing 'reside' or 'inhabit' in everyday contexts where 'live' is natural.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing 'live music' as /lɪv mjuːzɪk/.
- Writing 'I life in London' instead of 'I live in London'.
- Using 'alive' as an adjective prenominally (e.g., 'an alive concert') instead of 'live' /laɪv/.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'live' pronounced /laɪv/?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The verb meaning 'to be alive' or 'reside' is pronounced /lɪv/ (short vowel). The adjective/adverb meaning 'happening now' or 'alive' is pronounced /laɪv/ (long diphthong).
Not in standard modern English. Historically, 'live' could mean 'life', but this is obsolete. The noun form is 'life'.
Both are correct. 'Liveable' is the standard British spelling, while 'livable' is the standard American spelling.
Literally, it's an electrically charged wire. Idiomatically, it refers to a very energetic, lively, and unpredictable person.
Collections
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Daily Verbs
A1 · 50 words · Essential action words used in everyday conversation.