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.
On 9 September 2024, she was ordered to remove the unauthorised dwelling and cease living in the barn.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
Dissatisfaction is building in L.A. as the city’s cost of living mounts and a new generation of young Angelenos are unable to buy homes.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
The rest of us are just living in it.
From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026
There is also an open-plan dining space in the main living area, while a connecting balcony offers another seating area, where guests can enjoy the home’s stunning vistas.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026
As their horizons broadened, I would tell them about the people living in the Beje, people who never had a visitor, never a piece of mail.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
