Living

Definition

Living can function as a noun, adjective, and verb. As a noun, it refers to the condition of being alive or a means of making a livelihood. As an adjective, it describes something that is alive, in existence, or currently active. As a verb, it is the present participle of "live," meaning to be alive or to reside.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɪv.ɪŋ/
• Respelling: LIV-ing

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɪv.ɪŋ/
• Respelling: LIV-ing

Etymology

The word "living" is derived from the Old English "lifende," the present participle of "libban," meaning "to live." It traces its roots to Proto-Germanic "*libēną" and Proto-Indo-European "*leip-," meaning "to adhere" or "remain."

Derivatives

• Liveliness (noun)
• Livingness (noun)
• Livingly (adverb)
• Livelihood (noun)
• Nonliving (adjective)

Synonyms

• Alive
• Active
• Existing

Antonyms

• Dead
• Inanimate
• Nonexistent

Usage

The term "living" is versatile, used in biological, social, and existential contexts. For example, "She earns her living as a teacher" (noun), "The room was decorated with living plants" (adjective), and "They are living in New York" (verb).

Related Terms

• Life: The condition of being alive.
• Existence: The state of being real or alive.
• Survival: The act of continuing to live.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The condition of being alive: Refers to the state of having biological functions.
  • Example: "The pursuit of happiness is an essential part of living."
• A means of making a livelihood: Indicates an occupation or way of earning money.
  • Example: "She makes her living as an artist."

Adjective

• Currently alive: Refers to organisms that are not dead.
  • Example: "The forest is full of living creatures."
• Existing or active: Refers to something that is present and functioning.
  • Example: "The tradition is still a living part of the community."

Verb

• The present participle of 'live': Refers to the act of being alive or residing somewhere.
  • Example: "They are living in a new city."