SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

from life

idiom

Definition of from life

of a painting, drawing, etc.

: from looking at an actual person, object, etc.

drawings done from life rather than from photographs

Word by Word Definitions

life play

: the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body
: a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings
: an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism (see metabolism 1), growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction

: of or relating to animate being
: lifelong
: using a living model

See the full definition of life

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up from life? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

play

unwilling or reluctant

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

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'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

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Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

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Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

You're on the edge of your seat

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

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Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

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Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

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More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

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True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

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