LIVE-1

10 / 09 / 2004

LIVE-1: meaning and examples

Good morning.

Most English students know the verb live, but did you know that the word live ('vivir') can also be an adjective or an adverb? Depending on how we use this word, there is an important difference in pronunciation and meaning. Over the next few days, we will look at some of these differences.

LIVE as a Verb
The pronunciation of the verb live is /lIv/. It rhymes with give. Live is used in different verb phrases with different meanings.

To live it up --> means to have a fun or exciting time.

Example 1
:
When you go to Ibiza, be sure to live it up.

To live off something or someone
--> means to get what is necessary to survive from a particular source or person.

Example 2:
When Mr. Jones lost his job at the factory, the family had to live off welfare for several months.

To live through something
--> means to experience a difficult or dangerous situation and survive.

Example 3:
My aunt Jilly lived through Hurricane Andrew, although she lost her house and car.

BE CAREFUL!
In English we do NOT say "live an experience." In English we have an experience.

And if you're a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest, you may remember that Rosa incorrectly sang that Europe was **living a celebration**, which is incorrect. In English we have a celebration or we celebrate something.

On Monday we will look at live as an adjective and an adverb. Until then, if you have any questions about live, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Enjoy the rest of your day and have a great weekend!

Related English lessons