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.
But his decision to scrap long-standing fuel subsidies amid shortages and inflation has raised living costs and enraged a sizeable portion of the population.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
The researchers say more studies are still needed, including high resolution imaging to better understand exactly how the nanotubes deliver mitochondria within living nerve tissue.
From Science Daily • May 24, 2026
Many in Gaza are still living in tents.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026
Portuguese authorities said the brothers had been living with their mother in Colmar, in eastern France, while their father had limited and supervised visitation rights.
From Barron's • May 23, 2026
I had no choice but to follow Alyx and Oliver back into the living room.
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
