outlive
owt-LIHV
Outlive (verb) means to live longer than someone or something else; to survive past it. Example: “She outlived her husband by twenty years.”
verb
1
To live longer than someone or something else; to survive past it.
"She outlived her husband by twenty years."
"Cockroaches are said to be able to outlive almost any disaster."
How to use outlive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo keep living after someone or something else has died or ended.
Common mistake
"Outlive its usefulness" is a common set phrase meaning something has become obsolete, not literally about death.
Common pairings
outlive its usefulness
outlive a spouse
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- outlives
- Past tense
- outlived
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ her husband by twenty years.
Etymology
From Middle English outliven, built from out- + live — literally "to live beyond."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for outlive
See all rhymes for outlive →Frequently asked questions
What does “outlive” mean?
The word “outlive” means to live longer than someone or something else; to survive past it. In plain terms, to keep living after someone or something else has died or ended.
How do you pronounce “outlive”?
“Outlive” is pronounced owt-LIHV (/aʊtˈlɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “outlive” in a sentence?
Here is “outlive” used in a sentence: “She outlived her husband by twenty years.”
What is the opposite of “outlive”?
The opposite of “outlive” — its antonyms — is predecease.
What part of speech is “outlive”?
“Outlive” is a verb.
Where does the word “outlive” come from?
The word “outlive” comes from Middle English. From Middle English outliven, built from out- + live — literally "to live beyond.".
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