Live vs. Dwell — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 5, 2024
Live refers to residing or existing in a place, focusing on the act of habitation or life itself, while dwell emphasizes the emotional or psychological aspect of residing somewhere, often with a deeper connection to the place.
Difference Between Live and Dwell
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
To live is to occupy a place as a residence or to exist in a particular condition, highlighting the physical aspect of residence or life. In contrast, to dwell carries a connotation of lingering emotionally or mentally in a place or state, suggesting a deeper, often more reflective or emotional, engagement with that location or condition.
Living is a broader term, applicable to all organisms and their habitats, emphasizing the act of habitation or existence within a space. Dwelling, on the other hand, is typically used in the context of human habitation, focusing on the emotional or contemplative connection to a place, often suggesting a choice or preference.
The term "live" encompasses the everyday aspects of existence, ranging from the mundane to the profound, without necessarily implying an emotional attachment to the place of residence. Meanwhile, "dwell" implies a level of fixation or contemplation, whether it’s physically residing in a place that holds significant meaning or mentally focusing on a particular thought or memory.
While "living" can simply denote survival or the act of leading a life, "dwelling" often suggests a more permanent or significant occupation, either of a physical space with emotional value or of mental space with particular thoughts or concerns.
In practical usage, "live" is commonly used to refer to one’s current state or place of residence in a straightforward manner. "Dwell," however, is more likely to be used in literary or reflective contexts, emphasizing a deeper or more prolonged engagement with a place or idea.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To reside or exist in a place.
To live in a place with emotional attachment or to think about something for a long time.
Connotation
Neutral, focusing on habitation.
Emotional or reflective.
Context
Broad, applicable to all organisms and their habitats.
Often human, with a deeper connection.
Usage
Everyday, practical situations.
Literary, reflective, or emotional contexts.
Focus
Physical existence or condition.
Emotional or psychological engagement.
Compare with Definitions
Live
Survival or lifestyle.
They live off the land in rural areas.
Dwell
Emphasizing a meaningful connection.
We should not dwell in negative emotions.
Live
Current residence or situation.
We live near the park now.
Dwell
To reside with emotional depth.
She dwells in a house filled with childhood memories.
Live
To inhabit a place as one's home.
They live in a cozy apartment downtown.
Dwell
Reflecting on thoughts or memories.
He tends to dwell on his past mistakes too much.
Live
Existence in general.
To live a fulfilling life, one must pursue their passions.
Dwell
Indicating a long-term stay.
They've dwelled in this town for generations.
Live
To be alive or have life.
The only species known to live in extreme conditions.
Dwell
Literary use to describe habitation.
In tales, heroes dwell in places that are as complex as their journeys.
Live
Remain alive
Both cats lived to a ripe age
The doctors said she had only six months to live
Dwell
To live as a resident; reside.
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
Dwell
To exist in a given place or state
Dwell in joy.
Live
Relating to a musical performance given in concert, not on a recording
There is traditional live music played most nights
A live album
Dwell
To fasten one's attention on something, especially moodily or persistently
Kept dwelling on what went wrong.
Live
(of a wire or device) connected to a source of electric current.
Dwell
To speak or write at length; expatiate
Dwelt on the need to trim the budget.
Live
(of a question or subject) of current or continuing interest and importance
The future organization of Europe has become a live issue
Dwell
(engineering) A period of time in which a system or component remains in a given state.
Live
As or at an actual event or performance
The match will be televised live
Dwell
(engineering) A brief pause in the motion of part of a mechanism to allow an operation to be completed.
Live
To be alive; exist.
Dwell
(electrical engineering) A planned delay in a timed control program.
Live
To continue to be alive
Lived through a bad accident.
Dwell
(automotive) In a petrol engine, the period of time the ignition points are closed to let current flow through the ignition coil in between each spark. This is measured as an angle in degrees around the camshaft in the distributor which controls the points, for example in a 4-cylinder engine it might be 55° (spark at 90° intervals, points closed for 55° between each).
Live
To support oneself; subsist
Living on rice and fish.
Lives on a small inheritance.
Dwell
To live; to reside.
Live
To reside; dwell
Lives on a farm.
Dwell
On To linger on a particular thought, idea, etc.; to remain fixated on something.
Steven, stop dwelling on the past!
But you stole my kidney!
But you stole my kidney!
Live
To conduct one's life in a particular manner
Lived frugally.
Dwell
To be in a given state.
Live
To pursue a positive, satisfying existence; enjoy life
Those who truly live.
Dwell
(intransitive) To abide; to remain; to continue.
Live
To remain in human memory
An event that lives on in our minds.
Dwell
To delay; to linger.
Live
To spend or pass (one's life).
Dwell
To abide; to remain; to continue.
I 'll rather dwell in my necessity.
Thy soul was like a star and dwelt apart.
Live
To go through; experience
Lived a nightmare.
Dwell
To abide as a permanent resident, or for a time; to live in a place; to reside.
The parish in which I was born, dwell, and have possessions.
The poor man dwells in a humble cottage near the hall where the lord of the domain resides.
They stand at a distance, dwelling on his looks and language, fixed in amazement.
Live
To practice in one's life
Live one's beliefs.
Dwell
To inhabit.
Live
Having life; alive
Live animals.
Dwell
Think moodily or anxiously about something
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.
Dwell
Originate (in);
The problems dwell in the social injustices in this country
Live
Of current interest or relevance
A live topic.
Still a live option.
Dwell
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
(Informal) Full of life, excitement, or activity; lively
A live crowd at the parade.
A live party.
Dwell
Come back to;
Don't dwell on the past
She is always harping on the same old things
Live
Glowing; burning
Live coals.
Live
Not yet exploded but capable of being fired
Live ammunition.
Live
(Electricity) Carrying an electric current or energized with electricity
Live cables lying dangerously on the ground.
Live
Not mined or quarried; in the natural state
Live ore.
Live
Broadcast while actually being performed; not taped, filmed, or recorded
A live television program.
Live
Involving performers or spectators who are physically present
Live entertainment.
A live audience.
Live
Of, relating to, or containing living bacteria or active viruses, sometimes in an attenuated form
Live yogurt cultures.
A live measles vaccine.
Live
(Printing) Not yet set into type
Live copy.
Live
(Sports) In play
A live ball.
Live
At, during, or from the time of actual occurrence or performance
The landing on the moon was telecast live.
Live
(intransitive) To be alive; to have life.
He's not expected to live for more than a few months.
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.
Live
(of an object) to have its proper place; to normally be stored.
I washed your gravy boat. Where does it live?
Live
(intransitive) To survive; to persevere; to continue.
Live
(intransitive) To endure in memory; to escape oblivion.
Her memory lives in that song.
Live
To cope.
You'll just have to live with it!
I can't live in a world without you.
Live
(intransitive) To pass life in a specified manner.
It is difficult to live in poverty.
And they lived happily ever after.
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.
Live
(transitive) To act habitually in conformity with; to practice; to exemplify in one's way of life.
Live
To live as; to live being.
Live
(intransitive) To outlast danger; to float (said of a ship, boat, etc).
No ship could live in such a storm.
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.
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!
Live
(only used attributively) Having life; that is alive.
The post office will not ship live animals.
Live
Being in existence; actual.
He is a live example of the consequences of excessive drinking.
Live
Having active properties; being energized.
Because the vaccinia virus is live, it is important to follow care instructions for the vaccination site.
Live
Operational; in actual use rather than in testing etc.
Live
(programming) Of an object or value: that may potentially be used in the future execution of a program.
Live
Taken from a living animal.
Live feathers
Live
(engineering) Imparting power; having motion.
The live spindle of a lathe
A live, or driving, axle
Live
(sports) Still in active play.
A live ball
Live
(card games) Of a card: not yet dealt or played.
Live
(broadcasting) Being broadcast ("on the air"), as it happens.
The station presented a live news program every evening.
Are we live?
Live
(of a performance or speech) In person.
This nightclub has a live band on weekends.
Live
Recorded from a performance in front of an audience.
A live album
Live
Of firearms or explosives, capable of causing harm.
The air force practices dropping live bombs on the uninhabited island.
Live
Of an environment where sound is recorded: having noticeable reverberation.
Live
(circuitry) Electrically charged or energized, usually indicating that the item may cause electrocution if touched.
Use caution when working near live wires.
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.
Live
(film) Featuring humans; not animated, in the phrases “live actors” or “live action”.
Live
Being in a state of ignition; burning.
A live coal; live embers
Live
(obsolete) Vivid; bright.
Live
(slang)
Live
(dated) Energetic, attentive, active.
A live man, or orator
Live
Outstanding, top-notch, exhilarating.
Live
Of an event, as it happens; in real time; direct.
The concert was broadcast live by radio.
Live
Of making a performance or speech, in person.
He'll be appearing live at the auditorium.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
Live
To feed; to subsist; to be nourished or supported; - with on; as, horses live on grass and grain.
Live
To have a spiritual existence; to be quickened, nourished, and actuated by divine influence or faith.
The just shall live by faith.
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.
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.
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.
Live
To act habitually in conformity with; to practice.
To live the Gospel.
Live
Being in a state of ignition; burning; having active properties; as, a live coal; live embers.
Live
Full of earnestness; active; wide awake; glowing; as, a live man, or orator.
Live
Vivid; bright.
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
Common Curiosities
Is dwelling on thoughts a positive or negative action?
Dwelling on thoughts can be seen as negative if it involves obsessing over past events or worries, but it can also reflect deep contemplation.
What does it mean to live somewhere?
To live somewhere means to reside or exist in that place, emphasizing the act of habitation.
Can "live" and "dwell" be used interchangeably?
While they can be similar in meaning, "dwell" often carries a deeper emotional or reflective connotation than "live."
Is it common to use "dwell" in everyday language?
"Dwell" is less commonly used in casual conversation than "live" and is more often found in literary or formal contexts due to its reflective connotation.
Why might someone choose to use "dwell" over "live"?
"Dwell" might be chosen to convey a deeper, more reflective connection to a place or to emphasize the act of spending a lot of time thinking about a specific thought or memory.
Can animals dwell in a place in the same way humans do?
While animals can physically inhabit a place, "dwell" in its emotional or reflective sense is typically used in the context of human habitation.
How does one stop dwelling on negative thoughts?
Strategies might include mindfulness practices, focusing on positive aspects, seeking professional help, or engaging in activities that divert attention from negative to positive thoughts.
What impact does dwelling have on mental health?
Prolonged dwelling on negative thoughts can impact mental health negatively, potentially leading to anxiety or depression, highlighting the importance of managing one's focus and thoughts.
What does it mean to dwell somewhere?
To dwell somewhere means to live in a place with a sense of emotional attachment or depth, often suggesting a meaningful connection.
Does "live" only apply to physical spaces?
Primarily, yes. "Live" usually refers to physical existence in spaces or conditions, but it can also denote leading a certain type of life or lifestyle.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited 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.
