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.
And it’s a living, breathing reminder of a tenant that’s been a part of Halsey’s work from the jump: An architectural monument only becomes truly meaningful when people can see a space for themselves there.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
Several living areas offer guests the perfect place to lounge and come complete with multiple cozy fireplaces for the frigid New York winters.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026
The Oslo patient, who had been living with HIV since 2006, was diagnosed with a fatal blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome in 2017.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
She came back about two years ago, opened the Angel Coffee House, and is living in her parents' house with her partner.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
She pointed at the wall of the living room.
From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott
