Survive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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survive

[sərˈvaɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a dangerous situation

To continue to live or exist, especially in difficult conditions or despite an accident, illness, or disaster. It implies staying alive by using one's skills, resources, and determination.

Synonyms

endure, persist, thrive, weather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
survive	Used when talking about continuing to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship. They had enough food and water to survive the harsh winter. After the accident, she fought hard to survive her injuries.
endure	Used when referring to suffering something painful or unpleasant patiently. She had to endure years of physical therapy after the accident. They endured the long wait with great patience.
persist	Best used when emphasizing continuous effort over time, despite difficulty or opposition. He continued to persist with his studies despite the lack of support. The team had to persist through many challenges to win the championship.
thrive	Best used when describing someone or something growing, developing, or being successful, especially in a positive and vigorous manner. Under her leadership, the company began to thrive. He seems to thrive under pressure.
weather	Typically used when referring to dealing with or surviving a difficult situation or period. They managed to weather the economic downturn. The family weathered the storm in their basement.

Examples of usage

He managed to survive in the wilderness for two weeks.
She survived the car crash with only minor injuries.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a social or economic context

To manage to keep going in a difficult situation, especially with limited resources or funds.

Synonyms

cope, get by, make do, sustain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
survive	Used when talking about continuing to live or exist, especially in dangerous or difficult situations. Often implies overcoming a significant threat or challenge. He managed to survive the harsh winter in the mountains Many businesses did not survive the economic crisis
get by	Used to describe doing just enough to survive or manage, often in reference to financial or daily life situations. It suggests minimal effort or resources. They are not wealthy, but they get by on her small salary He didn’t study much, but he managed to get by on natural talent
make do	Applicable when referring to managing with limited resources or making the best out of a situation that is less than ideal. Often implies a sense of improvisation or compromise. During the drought, farmers had to make do with what little water they had We forgot to buy milk, so we’ll have to make do without it
sustain	Typically used to indicate maintaining something over a period of time, whether it’s life, an activity, or resources. Suggests ongoing support or endurance. The patient needs sufficient nutrients to sustain life They need a steady income to sustain their lifestyle
cope	Applicable when discussing managing or handling a difficult situation or emotional stress. It's about dealing with problems effectively. After her husband's death, she found it hard to cope with her emotions Students are taught how to cope with exam stress

Examples of usage

The small business struggled to survive during the economic downturn.
They had to survive on very little money while traveling.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in a survival situation

The state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in unfavorable or challenging circumstances.

Synonyms

endurance, perseverance, resilience, tenacity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
survive	Use 'survive' when talking about continuing to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship. He managed to survive the harsh winter The company survived the economic crisis
endurance	Use 'endurance' when referring to the ability to withstand prolonged stress or hardship, often physically. Running a marathon requires a lot of endurance Her endurance during the climb was impressive
resilience	Use 'resilience' when talking about the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or change. Children often show remarkable resilience after a traumatic event The community demonstrated resilience in rebuilding after the flood
perseverance	Use 'perseverance' when emphasizing the act of continuing to try despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. His perseverance in studying paid off when he passed the exam She showed great perseverance in her research work
tenacity	Use 'tenacity' when focusing on persistent determination, often despite obstacles or discouragement. Her tenacity in pursuing her dreams is admirable His tenacity helped him overcome many challenges

Examples of usage

Survival in the wild requires knowledge of basic skills.
The survival of the species is threatened by habitat destruction.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

Many historical figures were noted for surviving extreme conditions, like explorers who endured harsh environments.
Survival stories have shaped cultures, often symbolizing resilience, such as the tales of those who lived through famines and wars.

Psychology

Psychological resilience is key to survival, enabling individuals to recover from setbacks and challenges.
Studies show that a positive mindset can improve a person's chances of surviving traumatic events.

Pop Culture

Movies and books often feature survival themes, such as 'Survivor,' where contestants must outlast others in challenging environments.
Reality shows focusing on survival skills have gained immense popularity, showcasing how people cope with the wild.

Science

Certain species have developed unique survival strategies, like camouflage or hibernation, to adapt to their environments.
In biology, survival of the fittest explains how species evolve over time based on their ability to thrive in their habitats.

Origin of 'survive'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'survivere', where 'sur' means 'over' and 'vivere' means 'to live'.
In different languages, the root of 'survive' can be traced back to similar concepts of living or existing after something challenging.

The word 'survive' originated from the Latin word 'supervivere', which combines 'super' (over, beyond) and 'vivere' (to live). It first appeared in English during the 15th century. The concept of survival has been essential throughout human history, from early civilizations facing natural disasters to modern challenges of environmental changes and social upheavals.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,909, 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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