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.
“Being Latina and living in L.A. right now, that hit so close to home. I have a lot of experience wishing for the safety of the people in my community.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
Most people value being healthy and living longer more than anything else.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
The proposed funding cut comes as Americans are living and working longer.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
"And the fact it can be delivered in 15 fewer doses will help men get back to living their lives far more quickly."
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
The living room looked a little brighter than when he had left.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
