SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

from life

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

anathematize

play

to curse or denounce

Words at Play

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Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

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Let's Talk 'Tea'

Spill it, sip it: just make it hot.

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

Common terms that come from boxing and wrestling

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The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

When you push a meeting, where does it go?

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

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

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

You're going to have to memorize the dictionary again.

Take the quiz

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Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

Take the quiz

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.

Play the game