Outliving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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outliving
[aʊtˈlɪvɪŋ ]
Definition
survive longer
To outlive means to live longer than someone or something else. It often refers to surviving beyond the expected lifespan, outlasting others in various situations, such as in life or competition.
Synonyms
last longer, outlast, survive.
Examples of usage
- She outlived her husband by ten years.
- Many species outlive their predators.
- The legend of the hero has outlived generations.
- They managed to outlive the crisis.
- He hopes to outlive the threat of the disease.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural References
- In literature, outliving is often linked to themes of perseverance, such as overcoming adversity seen in works like 'The Old Man and the Sea' by Hemingway.
- Various cultures celebrate centenarians, viewing them as symbols of fortune and as living connections to the past.
Science
- Studies in gerontology focus on the biology of aging and factors that help individuals outlive their peers, including diet, exercise, and environment.
- Telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes, shorten as we age, but specific lifestyle choices have been known to influence their longevity.
Psychology
- Psychological factors such as resilience and a positive outlook have been scientifically linked to one's ability to outlive others.
- Social connections and feeling valued may contribute significantly to longer life, showing that community support can enhance longevity.
History
- Many famous figures, like the poet Pablo Neruda, wrote about themes of outliving loved ones and the melancholy of time's passage.
- The study of historical figures who outlived their contemporaries can provide insights into the impacts of lifestyle choices and social structures on longevity.
Origin of 'outliving'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'outliving' comes from the prefix 'out-' meaning beyond and 'living' which originates from the Old English 'libban', meaning to remain alive.
- Early usage of the term can be traced back to literature in the late Middle Ages, showing the importance of resilience in human life.
The word 'outlive' originates from the combination of the prefix 'out-' meaning to exceed or surpass, and the verb 'live,' which comes from the Old English 'libban,' meaning to be alive or to exist. The use of 'outlive' can be traced back to the late 14th century, where it began to be used as a way to express not just the act of living but the act of surpassing someone or something in lifespan. Over time, it has been employed in various contexts, from personal longevity to the survival of cultural or historical entities. Its usage has evolved to encompass both literal and metaphorical endurance, reflecting a deep-rooted human interest in longevity and survival in the face of adversity.