living
Usage
What are other ways to say living?
Living and livelihood (a somewhat more formal word), both refer to what one earns to keep (oneself) alive, but are seldom interchangeable within the same phrase: to earn one's living; to threaten one's livelihood. “To make a living” suggests making just enough to keep alive, and is particularly frequent in the negative: You cannot make a living out of that. “To make a livelihood out of something” suggests rather making a business of it: to make a livelihood out of knitting hats. Maintenance refers usually to what is spent for the living of another: to provide for the maintenance of someone. Maintenance occasionally refers to the allowance itself provided for livelihood: They are entitled to a maintenance from this estate.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Natalie also claimed many people living in the area were not given a "meaningful opportunity" to understand or comment on the plans before they were implemented.
From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026
These flexible, low-cost devices produce electrical signals that closely resemble those generated by living neurons, allowing them to activate biological brain tissue.
From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026
He’s the chief living representative of the new covenant between God and man that allows all to seek forgiveness for their sins.
From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026
An estimated 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2025, with no end in sight.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026
She stopped, keeping this distance from the living.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
