Alive vs. Living: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Alive" refers to the state of being not dead, while "living" pertains to life or existence and is often used to describe ongoing life processes.
Key Differences
Alive refers to the state of not being dead, indicating the presence of life in a biological sense. Living, on the other hand, extends beyond the mere presence of life; it encompasses the active processes and experiences of being alive.
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Nov 23, 2023
The term alive often implies being conscious or having the qualities of life, such as breathing and growing. In contrast, living can describe a lifestyle or manner of living, encompassing daily activities, habits, and livelihood.
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Nov 23, 2023
Alive is used to denote that something or someone has life or is not deceased. Living can refer to the act of leading a life in specific conditions or environments, such as living in poverty or luxury.
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Nov 23, 2023
The concept of alive is typically binary – one is either alive or not. Living can suggest a quality or condition of life, including aspects like living conditions, living organisms, or living standards.
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Nov 23, 2023
In a broader context, alive can also convey excitement and vigor. In contrast, living often pertains to the practical aspects and realities of everyday existence.
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Nov 23, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
State of having life; not dead.
Pertaining to the act or condition of life.
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Context
Biological life, consciousness.
Lifestyle, livelihood, life conditions.
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Usage
Used to confirm the presence of life.
Describes manner, quality, and aspects of life.
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Connotation
Binary state, either alive or not.
Quality and ongoing processes of life.
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Broader Meaning
Can imply vigor and excitement.
Relates to practical aspects of daily life.
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Nov 23, 2023
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Alive and Living Definitions
Alive
Exhibiting the characteristics of life.
The garden was alive with colorful flowers and insects.
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Nov 10, 2023
Living
Having life; the state of being alive.
Plants and animals are living organisms.
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Living
Pertaining to one's lifestyle or way of life.
She is living a life of adventure and travel.
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Alive
Very much active or lively.
The debate about this issue is very much alive.
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Living
Involving the necessities or activities of daily life.
The cost of living has increased over the years.
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Living
Earning a livelihood or making a living.
Many people are living from freelance work nowadays.
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Living
Relating to the routine conduct or maintenance of life
Improved living conditions in the city.
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Alive
Having life; living; not dead.
As long as the plant is alive, he will continue to water it.
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Alive
In a state of action; in force or operation; existent.
To keep the fire alive
To keep the affections alive
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Alive
Busy with activity of many living beings; swarming; thronged; busy.
Although quite dull during the day, the main street comes alive at night, with many bars and clubs opening.
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Living
Still in place as part of a larger mass. Used especially of rock
“In a great hall with pillars hewn out of the living stone sat the Elvenking on a chair of carven wood” (J. R. R. Tolkien). “Carved into a sandstone cliff face towered over by 18,000-foot peaks stood the colossal Buddhas.
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Alive
(of electrical wiring) Carrying electrical current; energized.
DANGER: OVERHEAD CATENARY - WIRE IS ALIVE
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Living
Having motion suggestive of life. Used especially of water
“The rippling of living waters, the song of birds, the joyous confidence of flowers, the calm, undisturbable grandeur of the oaks, mark this place ... as one of the Lord's most favored abodes of life and light” (John Muir).
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Living
(Informal) Used as an intensive
Beat the living hell out of his opponent in the boxing match.
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Alive
Susceptible, sensitive; easy to impress; having keen feelings, as opposed to apathy.
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Living
A means of maintaining life; livelihood
Made their living by hunting.
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Alive
Having life, in opposition to dead; living; being in a state in which the organs perform their functions; as, an animal or a plant which is alive.
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Living
Chiefly British A church benefice, including the revenue attached to it.
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Alive
In a state of action; in force or operation; unextinguished; unexpired; existent; as, to keep the fire alive; to keep the affections alive.
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Alive
Exhibiting the activity and motion of many living beings; swarming; thronged.
The Boyne, for a quarter of a mile, was alive with muskets and green boughs.
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Living
Having life; alive.
A living, breathing child
Respect for the dead does not preclude respect for the living.
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Alive
Having susceptibility; easily impressed; having lively feelings, as opposed to apathy; sensitive.
Tremblingly alive to nature's laws.
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Alive
Of all living (by way of emphasis).
Northumberland was the proudest man alive.
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Alive
Possessing life;
The happiest person alive
The nerve is alive
Doctors are working hard to keep him alive
Burned alive
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Alive
(often followed by `with') full of life and spirit;
She was wonderfully alive for her age
A face alive with mischief
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Alive
Having life or vigor or spirit;
An animated and expressive face
Animated conversation
Became very animated when he heard the good news
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Living
Used as an intensifier.
He almost beat the living daylights out of me.
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Alive
In operation;
Keep hope alive
The tradition was still alive
An active tradition
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Living
Financial means; a means of maintaining life; livelihood
What do you do for a living?
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Alive
(usually followed by `to') showing acute awareness; mentally perceptive;
Alert to the problems
Alive to what is going on
Awake to the dangers of her situation
Was now awake to the reality of his predicament
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Oct 19, 2023
Living
(canon law) A position in a church (usually the Church of England) that has attached to it a source of income; an ecclesiastical benefice.
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Alive
Existing with life; not dead.
The rescue team was relieved to find the hikers alive.
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Alive
Still in existence or operation.
The old traditions are still alive in the village.
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Living
Active; lively; vigorous; - said esp. of states of the mind, and sometimes of abstract things; as, a living faith; a living principle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Living
Issuing continually from the earth; running; flowing; as, a living spring; - opposed to stagnant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Living
Ignited; glowing with heat; burning; live.
Then on the living coals wine they pour.
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Living
Manner of life; as, riotous living; penurious living; earnest living.
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Living
Means of subsistence; sustenance; estate; as, to make a comfortable living from writing.
She can spin for her living.
He divided unto them his living.
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Living
Power of continuing life; the act of living, or living comfortably.
There is no living without trusting somebody or other in some cases.
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Living
The benefice of a clergyman; an ecclesiastical charge which a minister receives.
He could not get a deanery, a prebend, or even a living
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Living
The experience of living; the course of human events and activities;
He could no longer cope with the complexities of life
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Living
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
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Living
The financial means whereby one lives;
Each child was expected to pay for their keep
He applied to the state for support
He could no longer earn his own livelihood
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Living
Dwelling or inhabiting; often used in combination;
Living quarters
Tree-living animals
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Living
(informal) absolute;
She is a living doll
Scared the living daylights out of them
Beat the living hell out of him
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Living
Still in existence;
The Wollemi pine found in Australia is a surviving specimen of a conifer thought to have been long extinct and therefore known as a living fossil
The only surviving frontier blockhouse in Pennsylvania
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Living
(used of minerals or stone) in its natural state and place; not mined or quarried;
Carved into the living stone
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Living
Currently in existence or practice.
He is one of the greatest living artists.
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Nov 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is being alive the same as living a full life?
Being alive is the state of having life, while living a full life implies quality and fulfillment in one’s activities and experiences.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can inanimate objects be considered alive?
No, inanimate objects cannot be considered alive as they lack biological life.
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What is living in biological terms?
In biological terms, living refers to possessing life and carrying out life processes.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is every living thing considered alive?
Yes, every living thing, from plants to animals to humans, is considered alive.
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Nov 23, 2023
What does it mean to be alive?
Being alive means having life, not being dead, and exhibiting characteristics of life.
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Nov 23, 2023
What does living standard mean?
Living standard refers to the level of wealth, comfort, material goods, and necessities available.
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Can alive be used figuratively?
Yes, alive can be used figuratively to denote vibrancy or activity.
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What does making a living mean?
Making a living means earning enough money to sustain one's lifestyle and necessities.
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Nov 23, 2023
How is "living" different from "alive"?
"Alive" describes the state of being not dead, while "living" describes the ongoing processes and experiences of life.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "living" be used to describe abstract concepts?
Yes, "living" can be used metaphorically to describe the vibrancy or vitality of abstract concepts, such as a "living tradition."
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Nov 23, 2023
How does one describe living conditions?
Living conditions describe the environment and circumstances in which one lives, including factors like housing, sanitation, and comfort.
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Can you give examples of using "living" in a sentence?
Certainly! "She is living a fulfilling life." "The living room is beautifully decorated."
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Is "living" always related to physical life?
While "living" often refers to physical life, it can also describe figurative or emotional states of being.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "living" be used in a scientific context?
Yes, "living" is frequently used in biology and ecology to describe organisms and their interactions with their environment.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is "living" always a positive term?
"Living" can be positive or neutral, as it describes the state of being alive or the condition of one's way of life.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is there an antonym for "living"?
The antonym for "living" can vary based on context but may include "non-living," "inert," or "lifeless."
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Nov 23, 2023
What's the difference between "living" and "surviving"?
"Living" generally refers to the broader concept of being alive and engaging in life processes, while "surviving" implies enduring or managing to stay alive in challenging circumstances.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "living" be used to describe the state of something inanimate but functioning?
Yes, "living" can be metaphorically applied to describe the dynamic and functional state of certain inanimate objects or systems.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "living" refer to a specific period in history?
Yes, "living" can be used to describe a historical era, such as "living in the Renaissance."
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "living" be used to describe ongoing processes in non-biological systems?
Yes, "living" can be used metaphorically to describe ongoing processes in various systems, such as "a living document."
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Nov 23, 2023
Can "living" be used to describe ecosystems and environments?
Yes, "living" is often used to describe the dynamic interactions and vitality of ecosystems and natural environments.
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Nov 23, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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