Survive: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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