life

¹life

noun \ˈlīf\

plural lives\ˈlīvz\

Definition of LIFE

1

a : the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body b : a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings c : an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction

2

a : the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual b : one or more aspects of the process of living <sex life of the frog>

3

: biography 1

4

: spiritual existence transcending physical death

5

a : the period from birth to death b : a specific phase of earthly existence <adult life> c : the period from an event until death <a judge appointed for life> d : a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's life

6

: a way or manner of living

7

: livelihood

8

: a vital or living being; specifically : person <many lives were lost in the disaster>

9

: an animating and shaping force or principle

10

: spirit, animation <saw no life in her dancing>

11

: the form or pattern of something existing in reality <painted from life>

12

: the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something <the expected life of the batteries>

13

: the period of existence (as of a subatomic particle) — compare half-life

14

: a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being

15

: living beings (as of a particular kind or environment) <forest life>

16

a : human activities b : animate activity and movement <stirrings of life> c : the activities of a given sphere, area, or time <the political life of the country>

17

: one providing interest and vigor <life of the party>

18

: an opportunity for continued viability <gave the patient a new life>

19

capitalized Christian Science : god 1b

20

: something resembling animate life <a grant saved the project's life>

Examples of LIFE

1. He believes that God gives life to all creatures.
2. She was happy and healthy for most of her life.
3. The people in her family tend to have long lives.
4. I've known her all my life.
5. He is nearing the end of his life.
6. People can expect to change jobs several times in their life .
7. They've been waiting their whole life for an opportunity like this.
8. What do you really want out of life?
9. All this paperwork has made life much more difficult.
10. The details of everyday life can be fascinating.

Origin of LIFE

Middle English lif, from Old English līf; akin to Old English libban to live — more at live

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LIFE

Synonyms: bio, biography, memoir

Antonyms: lethargy, listlessness, sluggishness, torpidity

Related Words: jiva; autobiography; hagiography; psychobiography; pathography, tell-all; chronicle, history, past, story; obituary; character sketch, profile

Near Antonyms: animal, beast, beastie, brute, critter

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

Rhymes with LIFE

fife, Fife, knife, rife, strife, wife