Survival: meaning, definitions and examples

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survival

[səˈvaɪvəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in nature

The state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in spite of difficult conditions, such as lack of food, water, or shelter.

Synonyms

endurance, existence, resilience.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
survival	Use this word when referring to the act of staying alive or continuing to exist, especially in difficult conditions or situations. The survivors of the shipwreck were praised for their survival skills. Survival in the wild requires a lot of knowledge and preparation.
existence	This word is generally used in a broader sense to denote the state of being alive or real. It can refer to life in general or the presence of something. The existence of extraterrestrial life is a topic of much debate. His existence felt empty without a purpose or goal.
endurance	This word fits well when talking about the ability to withstand hardship or stress over a long period. It often implies a degree of mental or physical toughness. Completing a marathon requires both physical and mental endurance. Her endurance was tested during the rigorous training program.
resilience	Resilience is best used when describing the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to change. It has a positive connotation of strength and recovery. Her resilience after the accident inspired everyone around her. The community showed great resilience in rebuilding after the earthquake.

Examples of usage

Survival in the wilderness requires resourcefulness and knowledge of basic survival skills.
In times of crisis, the instinct for survival kicks in, driving people to do whatever it takes to stay alive.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in business

The continued existence of a business or organization, especially in adverse circumstances.

Synonyms

perseverance, sustainability, viability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
survival	Use when describing the act of continuing to live or exist, especially in challenging conditions. The survival of the plant species is threatened by pollution. His survival in the wilderness was a testament to his ingenuity and resilience.
viability	Use when discussing the ability to work successfully or to live, often in business, economic, or biological contexts. The viability of the startup depends on securing adequate funding. Biologists are uncertain about the viability of the newly discovered species.
sustainability	Use when referring to the ability to maintain or support over the long term, often used in environmental, economic, or social contexts. The new policies are aimed at ensuring the sustainability of natural resources. Sustainability practices in business can lead to long-term growth and success.
perseverance	Use when emphasizing the quality of continuing to put in effort despite difficulties or delays in achieving success. Her perseverance in finishing the marathon despite the injury was inspiring. He showed great perseverance in overcoming obstacles to complete his project.

Examples of usage

The company's survival was at stake, so they had to make some tough decisions to stay afloat.
Adapting to the changing market conditions is crucial for the survival of any business.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in psychology

The instinctual drive to stay alive and protect oneself from harm.

Synonyms

instinct, self-preservation, survivalism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
survival	Refers to the act of staying alive, often used in the context of life-threatening situations or overcoming adversity. His survival in the wilderness was nothing short of a miracle The refugees are struggling for survival in the harsh conditions
self-preservation	Refers to actions taken to protect oneself from harm or death, often used in the context of personal safety and well-being. His reaction was purely driven by self-preservation In moments of danger, self-preservation becomes the priority
instinct	Refers to a natural or inherent impulse or behavior, often used in the context of animals or subconscious human actions. The mother cat's instinct led her to protect her kittens She had a gut instinct that something was wrong
survivalism	Refers to the practice of preparing for emergencies and potential disasters, often used by individuals or groups known as survivalists. Survivalism has become more popular with the rise of natural disasters He is deeply involved in survivalism and spends weekends training for emergencies

Examples of usage

The fear of death triggers the survival instinct, leading to fight or flight responses.
In extreme situations, the human mind can exhibit incredible feats of survival.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word has roots in the Latin 'survivere', which combines 'sub-' (meaning under) and 'vivere' (to live), suggesting living beyond.
Survival has been a central theme throughout human history, especially during wars and migrations where people needed to adapt quickly.

Psychology

The will to survive can trigger instinctual responses in humans, making them act in ways that prioritize safety and resources.
Studies show that mental resilience plays a crucial role in survival situations, as those who believe they can endure are more likely to succeed.

Literature

Survival has been a powerful theme in many books, such as 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulsen, where a boy learns to survive alone in the wilderness.
In literature, the struggle for survival often serves as a metaphor for personal growth and overcoming adversity.

Pop Culture

Reality shows like 'Survivor' challenge contestants in extreme environments, testing their physical and social skills to stay in the game.
The term has become popular in music and movies, often representing triumph over hardship, like in 'Survivor' by Destiny's Child.

Science

In ecology, survival refers to how species adapt to their environments to continue existing despite threats and changes.
Biologists study survival strategies in animals, such as camouflage and migration, highlighting the importance of adaptation in nature.

Translations

Translations of the word "survival" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobrevivência

🇮🇳 जीवित रहना

🇩🇪 Überleben

🇮🇩 kelangsungan hidup

🇺🇦 виживання

🇵🇱 przetrwanie

🇯🇵 生存

🇫🇷 survie

🇪🇸 supervivencia

🇹🇷 hayatta kalma

🇰🇷 생존

🇸🇦 البقاء

🇨🇿 přežití

🇸🇰 prežitie

🇨🇳 生存

🇸🇮 preživetje

🇮🇸 lifun

🇰🇿 тірі қалу

🇬🇪 გადარჩენა

🇦🇿 sağ qalma

🇲🇽 supervivencia

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,186, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3183 earliest
3184 adverse
3185 darkness
3186 survival
3187 improving
3188 gap
3189 reviewed
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