noun
life
LYF
noun
1
The condition of being alive, as opposed to being dead or inanimate.
"Doctors fought to save the patient's life."
"Life on Earth depends on water."
2
The period of time someone or something exists, from birth (or creation) to death (or end of use).
"She spent her whole life in the same small town."
"The batteries have a life of about two years."
3
A person's daily existence and experiences, especially their activities, relationships, and circumstances.
"He talked about his life growing up in Manchester."
"Work-life balance became her top priority."
4
Liveliness, energy, or vitality.
"The party really came to life once the music started."
5
A prison sentence lasting until death or parole; short for "life sentence."
"He was sentenced to life for the murder."
How to Use Life
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing alive, the time you spend alive, or (informally) a prison sentence of that length.
Common pairings
way of life
lose one's life
life sentence
bring to life
Word Forms
lifed past tense, lives plural, Lifes plural, lifes singular
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Etymology
From Old English lif, going back to a Proto-Germanic root related to "remaining" or "staying" — the same deep root that gives us "leave" and "belief."