Outliving: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

Ranking #37,412, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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