Survival Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🌿
survival
[səˈvaɪvəl ]
Definitions
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
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.
|
| viability |
Use when discussing the ability to work successfully or to live, often in business, economic, or biological contexts.
|
| sustainability |
Use when referring to the ability to maintain or support over the long term, often used in environmental, economic, or social contexts.
|
| perseverance |
Use when emphasizing the quality of continuing to put in effort despite difficulties or delays in achieving success.
|
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.
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.
|
| self-preservation |
Refers to actions taken to protect oneself from harm or death, often used in the context of personal safety and well-being.
|
| instinct |
Refers to a natural or inherent impulse or behavior, often used in the context of animals or subconscious human actions.
|
| survivalism |
Refers to the practice of preparing for emergencies and potential disasters, often used by individuals or groups known as survivalists.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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.
Origin of 'survival'
The word 'survival' originated from the Latin word 'supervivere', which means 'to live beyond' or 'to outlive'. The concept of survival has been essential throughout human history, from the early days of hunting and gathering to modern society. It encompasses not only physical survival but also emotional, mental, and social resilience in the face of challenges. The study of survival strategies has led to advancements in various fields, such as psychology, biology, and disaster preparedness.
See also: survivability, survivalism, surviving, survivor, survivors.