Lifestyle: meaning, definitions and examples

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lifestyle

 

[ ˈlaɪfˌstaɪl ]

Context #1 | Noun

way of living

Lifestyle refers to the way in which a person or group lives, including patterns of social relations, consumption, entertainment, and daily habits. It encompasses values, attitudes, behaviors, and interests that shape a person's life.

Synonyms

lifeway, manner of living, way of life.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lifestyle

Commonly used to describe a person's daily habits, routines, values, and activities. Often associated with overall well-being and health.

  • She adopted a healthier lifestyle after her diagnosis.
  • His luxurious lifestyle is evident from the expensive cars he drives.
way of life

A broad term that can encompass an individual's or community's overall habits, practices, and cultural norms. It is often used to highlight significant features or changes in living habits.

  • Traditional farming is their way of life.
  • Her travels have impacted her way of life profoundly.
manner of living

More formal or literary term for describing how someone lives. Often used in written texts or formal speech.

  • Her manner of living differed greatly from her friends in the city.
  • The book explores the diverse manners of living in rural and urban areas.
lifeway

This term is less common and often used in academic or anthropological contexts to describe the customs and habits of a particular culture or community.

  • The Indigenous tribes have unique lifeways that have been preserved for centuries.
  • Their lifeways are deeply connected to the natural environment.

Examples of usage

  • Lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise can greatly impact one's health.
  • Her luxurious lifestyle includes frequent travel to exotic destinations.
  • The magazine focuses on celebrity lifestyles and fashion trends.
Context #2 | Noun

style of living

Lifestyle can also refer to a particular style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of an individual or group. It often includes choices related to fashion, home decor, and leisure activities.

Synonyms

lifemode, living style, way of life.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lifestyle

Commonly used to describe the overall way a person lives, including habits, choices, and routines.

  • She leads a very healthy lifestyle.
  • His lifestyle includes regular travel and adventure.
living style

A slightly awkward phrase and not commonly used. It could be used to describe someone's way of living, but 'lifestyle' is preferred.

  • Her living style is very unique and modern.
  • They admired his luxurious living style.
lifemode

Less frequently used, often in specific contexts such as discussions about social science or niche topics. It implies more of a philosophical or systematic approach to life.

  • Adopting a minimalist lifemode can lead to less stress.
  • Researchers are studying various lifemodes in different cultures.
way of life

Descriptive term often used for cultural or traditional ways of living. It highlights the broader and more enduring aspects of how people live.

  • The indigenous people's way of life is deeply connected to the land.
  • Adapting to the new country's way of life was challenging for her.

Examples of usage

  • She adopted a minimalist lifestyle with simple, functional furniture.
  • The hipster lifestyle embraces vintage clothing and indie music.
  • The beach lifestyle is characterized by relaxation and outdoor activities.

Translations

Translations of the word "lifestyle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estilo de vida

🇮🇳 जीवनशैली

🇩🇪 Lebensstil

🇮🇩 gaya hidup

🇺🇦 спосіб життя

🇵🇱 styl życia

🇯🇵 ライフスタイル

🇫🇷 mode de vie

🇪🇸 estilo de vida

🇹🇷 yaşam tarzı

🇰🇷 라이프스타일

🇸🇦 نمط الحياة

🇨🇿 životní styl

🇸🇰 životný štýl

🇨🇳 生活方式

🇸🇮 življenjski slog

🇮🇸 lífsstíll

🇰🇿 өмір сүру салты

🇬🇪 ცხოვრების წესი

🇦🇿 həyat tərzi

🇲🇽 estilo de vida

Etymology

The term 'lifestyle' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'life' and 'style' to describe the way in which an individual or group lives. It gained popularity in the mid-20th century as societies became more diverse and people's choices in how to live their lives varied. Today, lifestyle encompasses a wide range of aspects, from health and fitness to fashion and travel, reflecting the values and preferences of different cultures and generations.

See also: afterlife, alive, life, lifebuoy, lifeless, lifelessly, lifelessness, lifeline, lifelong, lifemode, lifesaver, lifespan, lifetime, lifeway.