outlive
Outlive (verb) means to live longer than someone or something else; to survive past it. Example: “She outlived her husband by twenty years.”
How to use outlive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo keep living after someone or something else has died or ended.
"Outlive its usefulness" is a common set phrase meaning something has become obsolete, not literally about death.
Word forms
outlived past tense, outlives singular
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
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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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