n.
(pl. lives)
- the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, functional activity, and continual change preceding death.
▸living things and their activity.
- the existence of an individual human or animal.
▸a particular type or aspect of human existence:
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school life.
▸a biography.
▸informal a sentence of imprisonment for life.
▸(in some games) each of a specified number of chances each player has before being put out.
- the period during which something continues to exist, function, or be valid.
- vitality or energy.
-
[as modifier]
(in art) based on a living rather than an imagined form:
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a life drawing.
Phrase
- come
(or bring)
to life
- regain or cause to regain consciousness.
- become or make active, lively, or interesting.
- for dear
(or one's)
life
as if or in order to escape death. - for the life of me
informal however hard I try. - as large as
(or larger than)
life
informal conspicuously present. - larger than life
attracting attention because of unusual and flamboyant appearance or behaviour. - life-and-death
deciding whether someone lives or dies; vitally important. - the life and soul of the party
a vivacious and sociable person. - a matter of life and death
a matter of vital importance. - not on your life
informal emphatically not. - see life
gain a wide experience of the world. - take one's life in one's hands
risk being killed.
Etymology
OE līf, of Gmc origin; rel. to live1.
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