Outlived: meaning, definitions and examples

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outlived

 

[ aʊtˈlɪvd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

survive longer

To outlive means to live longer than someone or something. It often refers to living beyond the expected lifespan or duration of a person, event, or circumstance. This term can also imply enduring challenges or hardships that may have otherwise ended one's existence.

Synonyms

endure, last, survive

Examples of usage

  • She outlived all her siblings.
  • The ancient tree outlived many generations.
  • He outlived his critics by continuing to produce great work.

Translations

Translations of the word "outlived" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobreviveu

🇮🇳 जीवित रहना

🇩🇪 überlebt

🇮🇩 melampaui

🇺🇦 пережити

🇵🇱 przeżył

🇯🇵 生き残った

🇫🇷 survécu

🇪🇸 sobrevivió

🇹🇷 hayatta kaldı

🇰🇷 생존했다

🇸🇦 عاش بعد

🇨🇿 přežil

🇸🇰 prežil

🇨🇳 幸存

🇸🇮 preživel

🇮🇸 lifði af

🇰🇿 тірі қалу

🇬🇪 გადარჩა

🇦🇿 sağ qaldı

🇲🇽 sobrevivió

Word origin

The term 'outlive' originates from the combination of the prefix 'out-' which implies 'beyond' or 'exceeding' and the word 'live', which comes from Old English 'libban', meaning 'to be alive'. The use of 'outlive' dates back to the late 14th century, where it was used to denote surpassing someone in lifespan or duration. Over the years, the word has maintained this core meaning but has also broadened to encompass surviving or persevering through difficult times or experiences. Its usage has evolved in various contexts, often reflecting not just the physical act of living longer, but also the metaphorical endurance through life's challenges.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,095, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.