Life vs. Live — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
"Life" is a noun referring to the existence of living beings or the experience of being alive. "Live" is primarily a verb that describes the act of being alive or can be an adjective describing something that is happening in real time.
Difference Between Life and Live
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Life" is a noun, and it encompasses the range of experiences, actions, and events that living beings go through from birth to death. It describes the state of being alive. "Live," on the other hand, is a verb that explains the act of remaining alive or carrying out the activities that signify life. When you say someone is living, it refers to them carrying out the functions or actions that make up life.
"Life" is often used in a broader context, talking about elements like life stages, the meaning of life, or life on Earth. It addresses themes that are expansive and frequently philosophical. "Live," conversely, refers to the active process of being alive; it is the real-time version of "life." For example, "live coverage" refers to events being broadcast as they happen.
In terms of grammar, "life" is primarily used as a noun, while "live" can serve as a verb and sometimes as an adjective. For instance, one might say, "The concert is live," using "live" as an adjective to describe an event occurring in real time. "Life," being a noun, cannot be used in this manner.
Finally, "life" and "live" are often used in idiomatic expressions that make their meanings more complex. For instance, "life" might be used in expressions like "life's journey" or "life is short." "Live," as a verb, can appear in expressions like "live and learn" or "live life to the fullest," where it indicates the action of experiencing life.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Verb/Adjective
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Contextual Use
Broad, often philosophical
Immediate, real-time
Grammatical Role
Subject/Object
Action/Descriptor
Examples
Life's journey, the circle of life
Live broadcast, to live happily
Primary Meaning
State of being alive
The act of being alive
Compare with Definitions
Life
The state of being alive.
The bird is full of life.
Live
To experience and enjoy life.
Live life to the fullest.
Life
Living beings collectively.
Life on Earth is diverse.
Live
To sustain oneself.
They live on a tight budget.
Life
Life is a characteristic that distinguishes physical entities that have biological processes, such as signaling and self-sustaining processes, from those that do not, either because such functions have ceased (they have died), or because they never had such functions and are classified as inanimate. Various forms of life exist, such as plants, animals, fungi, protists, archaea, and bacteria.
Live
Remain alive
Both cats lived to a ripe age
The doctors said she had only six months to live
Life
The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organism.
Live
Make one's home in a particular place or with a particular person
I've lived in the East End all my life
They lived with his grandparents
Life
The characteristic state or condition of a living organism.
Live
Not dead or inanimate; living
Live animals
Life
Living organisms considered as a group
Plant life.
Marine life.
Live
Relating to a musical performance given in concert, not on a recording
There is traditional live music played most nights
A live album
Life
A living being, especially a person
An earthquake that claimed hundreds of lives.
Live
(of a wire or device) connected to a source of electric current.
Life
The physical, mental, and spiritual experiences that constitute existence
The artistic life of a writer.
Live
(of a question or subject) of current or continuing interest and importance
The future organization of Europe has become a live issue
Life
The interval of time between birth and death
She led a good, long life.
Live
As or at an actual event or performance
The match will be televised live
Life
The interval of time between one's birth and the present
Has had hay fever all his life.
Live
To be alive; exist.
Life
A particular segment of one's life
My adolescent life.
Live
To continue to be alive
Lived through a bad accident.
Life
The period from an occurrence until death
Elected for life.
Paralyzed for life.
Live
To support oneself; subsist
Living on rice and fish.
Lives on a small inheritance.
Life
(Slang) A sentence of imprisonment lasting till death.
Live
To reside; dwell
Lives on a farm.
Life
The time for which something exists or functions
The useful life of a car.
Live
To conduct one's life in a particular manner
Lived frugally.
Life
A spiritual state regarded as a transcending of corporeal death.
Live
To pursue a positive, satisfying existence; enjoy life
Those who truly live.
Life
An account of a person's life; a biography.
Live
To remain in human memory
An event that lives on in our minds.
Life
Human existence, relationships, or activity in general
Real life.
Everyday life.
Live
To spend or pass (one's life).
Life
A manner of living
Led a hard life.
Live
To go through; experience
Lived a nightmare.
Life
A specific, characteristic manner of existence. Used of inanimate objects
“Great institutions seem to have a life of their own, independent of those who run them” (New Republic).
Live
To practice in one's life
Live one's beliefs.
Life
The activities and interests of a particular area or realm
Musical life in New York.
Live
Having life; alive
Live animals.
Life
A source of vitality; an animating force
She's the life of the show.
Live
Of, related to, or occurring during the life of one that is living
A live birth.
The live weight of an animal before being slaughtered.
Life
Liveliness or vitality; animation
A face that is full of life.
Live
Of current interest or relevance
A live topic.
Still a live option.
Life
Something that actually exists regarded as a subject for an artist
Painted from life.
Live
(Informal) Full of life, excitement, or activity; lively
A live crowd at the parade.
A live party.
Life
Actual environment or reality; nature.
Live
Glowing; burning
Live coals.
Life
Of or relating to animate existence; involved in or necessary for living
Life processes.
Live
Not yet exploded but capable of being fired
Live ammunition.
Life
Continuing for a lifetime; lifelong
Life partner.
Life imprisonment.
Live
(Electricity) Carrying an electric current or energized with electricity
Live cables lying dangerously on the ground.
Life
Using a living model as a subject for an artist
A life sculpture.
Live
Not mined or quarried; in the natural state
Live ore.
Life
(uncountable) The state of organisms preceding their death, characterized by biological processes such as metabolism and reproduction and distinguishing them from inanimate objects; the state of being alive and living.
Having experienced both, the vampire decided that he preferred (un)death to life.
He gave up on life.
Live
Broadcast while actually being performed; not taped, filmed, or recorded
A live television program.
Life
(biology) The status possessed by any of a number of entities, including animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and sometimes viruses, which have the properties of replication and metabolism.
Live
Involving performers or spectators who are physically present
Live entertainment.
A live audience.
Life
The animating principle or force that keeps an inorganic thing or concept metaphorically alive (dynamic, relevant, etc) and makes it a "living document", "living constitution", etc.
Live
Of, relating to, or containing living bacteria or active viruses, sometimes in an attenuated form
Live yogurt cultures.
A live measles vaccine.
Life
Lifeforms, generally or collectively.
It's life, but not as we know it.
She discovered plant life on the planet.
The rover discovered signs of life on the alien world.
Live
(Printing) Not yet set into type
Live copy.
Life
(countable) A living individual; the fact of a particular individual being alive. Chiefly when indicating individuals were lost (died) or saved.
Many lives were lost during the war.
Her quick thinking saved many dogs' lives.
Live
(Sports) In play
A live ball.
Life
Existence.
Man's life on this planet has been marked by continual conflict.
The eternal life of the soul
Live
At, during, or from the time of actual occurrence or performance
The landing on the moon was telecast live.
Life
A worthwhile existence.
He gets up early in the morning, works all day long — even on weekends — and hardly sees his family. That's no life!
His life was ruined by drugs.
Live
(intransitive) To be alive; to have life.
He's not expected to live for more than a few months.
Life
A particular aspect of existence.
He struggled to balance his family life, social life and work life.
Sex life, political life
Live
(intransitive) To have permanent residence somewhere, to inhabit, to reside.
I live at 2a Acacia Avenue.
He lives in LA, but he's staying here over the summer.
Life
(informal) Social life.
Get a life.
Live
(of an object) to have its proper place; to normally be stored.
I washed your gravy boat. Where does it live?
Life
Something which is inherently part of a person's existence, such as job, family, a loved one, etc.
She's my love, my life.
Running the bakery is her life.
Live
(intransitive) To survive; to persevere; to continue.
Life
A period of time during which something has existence.
Live
(intransitive) To endure in memory; to escape oblivion.
Her memory lives in that song.
Life
The period during which one (a person, an animal, a plant; a civilization, species; a star; etc) is alive.
Live
To cope.
You'll just have to live with it!
I can't live in a world without you.
Life
The span of time during which an object operates.
This light bulb is designed to have a life of 2,000 hours.
Live
(intransitive) To pass life in a specified manner.
It is difficult to live in poverty.
And they lived happily ever after.
Life
The period of time during which an object is recognizable.
The life of this milk carton may be thousands of years in this landfill.
Live
(transitive) To spend, as one's life; to pass; to maintain; to continue in, constantly or habitually.
To live an idle or a useful life.
Life
A particular phase or period of existence.
Live
(transitive) To act habitually in conformity with; to practice; to exemplify in one's way of life.
Life
A period extending from a when a (positive or negative) office, punishment, etc is conferred on someone until that person dies (or, sometimes, reaches retirement age).
Live
To live as; to live being.
Life
Animation; spirit; vivacity.
Live
(intransitive) To outlast danger; to float (said of a ship, boat, etc).
No ship could live in such a storm.
Life
The most lively component or participant.
Live
To maintain or support one's existence; to provide for oneself; to feed; to subsist.
It is hard to live on the minimum wage.
They lived on stale bread.
Man shall not live by bread alone.
Life
A biography.
His life of the founder is finished, except for the title.
Live
To make the most of life; to experience a full, rich life.
I'm sick of spending every day studying at home: I want to go out there and live!
Life
Nature, reality, and the forms that exist in it.
Live
(only used attributively) Having life; that is alive.
The post office will not ship live animals.
Life
An opportunity for existence.
Live
Being in existence; actual.
He is a live example of the consequences of excessive drinking.
Life
(video games) One of the player's chances to play, lost when the player's character dies or when certain mistakes are made.
Scoring 1000 points is rewarded with an extra life.
Live
Having active properties; being energized.
Because the vaccinia virus is live, it is important to follow care instructions for the vaccination site.
Life
A chance for the batter (or batting team) to bat again, given as a result of an misplay by a member of the fielding team.
Live
Operational; in actual use rather than in testing etc.
Life
One of a player's chances to play in various children's playground games, lost when a mistake is made, for example being struck by the ball in dodgeball.
Live
(programming) Of an object or value: that may potentially be used in the future execution of a program.
Life
The life insurance industry.
I work in life.
Live
Taken from a living animal.
Live feathers
Life
(countable) A life assured under a life assurance policy (equivalent to the policy itself for a single life contract).
Live
(engineering) Imparting power; having motion.
The live spindle of a lathe
A live, or driving, axle
Life
(aviation) To replace components whose operational lifetime has expired.
Live
(sports) Still in active play.
A live ball
Life
(obsolete) God's life
Live
(card games) Of a card: not yet dealt or played.
Life
The state of being which begins with generation, birth, or germination, and ends with death; also, the time during which this state continues; that state of an animal or plant in which all or any of its organs are capable of performing all or any of their functions; - used of all animal and vegetable organisms.
Live
(broadcasting) Being broadcast ("on the air"), as it happens.
The station presented a live news program every evening.
Are we live?
Life
Of human beings: The union of the soul and body; also, the duration of their union; sometimes, the deathless quality or existence of the soul; as, man is a creature having an immortal life.
She shows a body rather than a life.
Live
(of a performance or speech) In person.
This nightclub has a live band on weekends.
Life
The potential principle, or force, by which the organs of animals and plants are started and continued in the performance of their several and coöperative functions; the vital force, whether regarded as physical or spiritual.
Live
Recorded from a performance in front of an audience.
A live album
Life
Figuratively: The potential or animating principle, also, the period of duration, of anything that is conceived of as resembling a natural organism in structure or functions; as, the life of a state, a machine, or a book; authority is the life of government.
Live
Of firearms or explosives, capable of causing harm.
The air force practices dropping live bombs on the uninhabited island.
Life
A certain way or manner of living with respect to conditions, circumstances, character, conduct, occupation, etc.; hence, human affairs; also, lives, considered collectively, as a distinct class or type; as, low life; a good or evil life; the life of Indians, or of miners.
That which before us lies in daily life.
By experience of life abroad in the world.
Lives of great men all remind usWe can make our lives sublime.
'T is from high life high characters are drawn.
Live
Of an environment where sound is recorded: having noticeable reverberation.
Life
Animation; spirit; vivacity; vigor; energy.
No notion of life and fire in fancy and in words.
That gives thy gestures grace and life.
Live
(circuitry) Electrically charged or energized, usually indicating that the item may cause electrocution if touched.
Use caution when working near live wires.
Life
That which imparts or excites spirit or vigor; that upon which enjoyment or success depends; as, he was the life of the company, or of the enterprise.
Live
(poker) Being a bet which can be raised by the bettor, usually in reference to a blind or straddle.
Tommy's blind was live, so he was given the option to raise.
Life
The living or actual form, person, thing, or state; as, a picture or a description from, the life.
Live
(film) Featuring humans; not animated, in the phrases “live actors” or “live action”.
Life
A person; a living being, usually a human being; as, many lives were sacrificed.
Live
Being in a state of ignition; burning.
A live coal; live embers
Life
The system of animal nature; animals in general, or considered collectively.
Full nature swarms with life.
Live
(obsolete) Vivid; bright.
Life
An essential constituent of life, esp: the blood.
The words that I speak unto you . . . they are life.
The warm life came issuing through the wound.
Live
(slang)
Life
A history of the acts and events of a life; a biography; as, Johnson wrote the life of Milton.
Live
(dated) Energetic, attentive, active.
A live man, or orator
Life
Enjoyment in the right use of the powers; especially, a spiritual existence; happiness in the favor of God; heavenly felicity.
Live
Outstanding, top-notch, exhilarating.
Life
Something dear to one as one's existence; a darling; - used as a term of endearment.
Live
Of an event, as it happens; in real time; direct.
The concert was broadcast live by radio.
Life
A characteristic state or mode of living;
Social life
City life
Real life
Live
Of making a performance or speech, in person.
He'll be appearing live at the auditorium.
Life
The course of existence of an individual; the actions and events that occur in living;
He hoped for a new life in Australia
He wanted to live his own life without interference from others
Live
To be alive; to have life; to have, as an animal or a plant, the capacity of assimilating matter as food, and to be dependent on such assimilation for a continuance of existence; as, animals and plants that live to a great age are long in reaching maturity.
Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will . . . lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live.
Life
The experience of living; the course of human events and activities;
He could no longer cope with the complexities of life
Live
To pass one's time; to pass life or time in a certain manner, as to habits, conduct, or circumstances; as, to live in ease or affluence; to live happily or usefully.
O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions!
Life
The condition of living or the state of being alive;
While there's life there's hope
Life depends on many chemical and physical processes
Live
To make one's abiding place or home; to abide; to dwell; to reside; as, to live in a cottage by the sea.
Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years.
Life
The period during which something is functional (as between birth and death);
The battery had a short life
He lived a long and happy life
Live
To be or continue in existence; to exist; to remain; to be permanent; to last; - said of inanimate objects, ideas, etc.
Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtuesWe write in water.
Life
The period between birth and the present time;
I have known him all his life
Live
To enjoy or make the most of life; to be in a state of happiness; as, people want not just to exist, but to live.
What greater curse could envious fortune giveThan just to die when I began to live?
Life
Animation and energy in action or expression;
It was a heavy play and the actors tried in vain to give life to it
Live
To feed; to subsist; to be nourished or supported; - with on; as, horses live on grass and grain.
Life
An account of the series of events making up a person's life
Live
To have a spiritual existence; to be quickened, nourished, and actuated by divine influence or faith.
The just shall live by faith.
Life
The period from the present until death;
He appointed himself emperor for life
Live
To be maintained in life; to acquire a livelihood; to subsist; - with on or by; as, to live on spoils.
Those who live by labor.
Life
A living person;
His heroism saved a life
Live
To outlast danger; to float; - said of a ship, boat, etc.; as, no ship could live in such a storm.
A strong mast that lived upon the sea.
Life
Living things collectively;
The oceans are teeming with life
Live
To spend, as one's life; to pass; to maintain; to continue in, constantly or habitually; as, to live an idle or a useful life.
Life
A motive for living;
Pottery was his life
Live
To act habitually in conformity with; to practice.
To live the Gospel.
Life
The organic phenomenon that distinguishes living organisms from nonliving ones;
There is no life on the moon
Live
Having life; alive; living; not dead.
If one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it.
Life
A prison term lasting as long as the prisoner lives;
He got life for killing the guard
Live
Being in a state of ignition; burning; having active properties; as, a live coal; live embers.
Life
The range of experiences and activities that characterize existence.
Life is a roller coaster.
Live
Full of earnestness; active; wide awake; glowing; as, a live man, or orator.
Life
The period between birth and death.
He had a long life.
Live
Vivid; bright.
Life
Vitality, liveliness, or energy.
She brings life to the party.
Live
Imparting power; having motion; as, the live spindle of a lathe; live steam.
Live
Connected to a voltage source; as, a live wire.
Live
Being transmitted instantaneously, as events occur, in contrast to recorded.
Live
Still in active play; - of a ball being used in a game; as, a live ball.
Live
Pertaining to an entertainment event which was performed (and possibly recorded) in front of an audience; contrasted to performances recorded in a studio without an audience.
Live
Life.
Live
Make one's home or live in;
She resides officially in Iceland
I live in a 200-year old house
These people inhabited all the islands that are now deserted
The plains are sparsely populated
Live
Lead a certain kind of life; live in a certain style;
We had to live frugally after the war
Live
Continue to live; endure or last;
We went without water and food for 3 days
These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America
The racecar driver lived through several very serious accidents
Live
Support oneself;
He could barely exist on such a low wage
Can you live on $2000 a month in New York City?
Many people in the world have to subsist on $1 a day
Live
Have life, be alive;
Our great leader is no more
My grandfather lived until the end of war
Live
Have firsthand knowledge of states, situations, emotions, or sensations;
I know the feeling!
Have you ever known hunger?
I have lived a kind of hell when I was a drug addict
The holocaust survivors have lived a nightmare
I lived through two divorces
Live
Pursue a positive and satisfying existence;
You must accept yourself and others if you really want to live
Live
Actually being performed at the time of hearing or viewing;
A live television program
Brought to you live from Lincoln Center
Live entertainment involves performers actually in the physical presence of a live audience
Live
Showing characteristics of life; exerting force or containing energy;
Live coals
Tossed a live cigarette out the window
Got a shock from a live wire
Live ore is unmined ore
A live bomb
A live ball is one in play
Live
Highly reverberant;
A live concert hall
Live
Charged with an explosive;
Live ammunition
A live bomb
Live
Rebounds readily;
Clean bouncy hair
A lively tennis ball
As resiliant as seasoned hickory
Springy turf
Live
Abounding with life and energy;
The club members are a really live bunch
Live
In current use or ready for use;
Live copy is ready to be set in type or already set but not yet proofread
Live
Of current relevance;
A live issue
Still a live option
Live
Charged or energized with electricity;
A hot wire
A live wire
Live
Having life;
A live canary
Hit a live nerve
Famous living painters
Living tissue
Live
Capable of erupting;
A live volcano
The volcano is very much alive
Live
Not recorded;
The opera was broadcast live
Live
To remain alive.
Fish live in water.
Live
To reside or dwell in a particular place.
I live in New York.
Live
Occurring in real-time.
The show is live.
Common Curiosities
What is Life?
Life is the state of being alive and the experiences that come with it.
Can Live be an adjective?
Yes, as in "live broadcast."
How do you use Life in a sentence?
"She has lived a full life."
Is Life only used as a noun?
Primarily, yes; "life" is usually used as a noun.
Can Life refer to all living beings?
Yes, like in the phrase "life on Earth."
Is Life abstract or concrete?
It can be both, depending on the context.
What does Live mean?
Live means to remain alive or describes something happening in real time.
How do you use Live in a sentence?
"I live in San Francisco."
What fields commonly use the word Live?
Broadcasting, music, everyday speech.
Do Life and Live have the same root?
Yes, both come from the Old English word "līf."
Can Live refer to experiences?
Yes, as in "live life to the fullest."
What fields commonly use the word Life?
Biology, philosophy, everyday speech.
Can Life be pluralized?
Yes, as in "multiple lives."
Is Live generally immediate?
When used as an adjective, yes, it refers to real-time events.
Is Live used in idioms?
Yes, like in "live and let live."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
