survive

Pronunciation: /səˈvaɪv/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of survive

To continue to live or exist despite facing danger, difficulty, or adversity; to endure through challenging conditions and remain functional or intact.

Origin of survive

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: supervivere

Original meaning: to live beyond

How it evolved: The word transitioned from Latin to Old French as 'survivre,' and later entered English in the 15th century, maintaining its core meaning of enduring beyond challenges.

Derived from the Latin 'supervivere,' meaning to live beyond or over, the word evolved to signify enduring adversity and continuing existence.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember survive

Think of 'survive' as 'surfing on life’s waves'—even in the stormiest seas, you stay afloat and keep moving forward.

Synonyms for survive

Antonyms of survive

  • succumb
  • perish
  • cease
  • expire
  • fail

survive in a Sentence

  1. Against all odds, the ancient civilization managed to survive, leaving behind artifacts that tell their story.
  2. She survived the turbulent years of war by relying on her ingenuity and resilience.
  3. The company survived the economic downturn by adapting its business model to the new market conditions.

survive in Literature & Culture

The concept of survival is a recurring theme in literature, from Robinson Crusoe's tale of isolation to post-apocalyptic novels like The Road, showcasing humanity's ability to persist against all odds.

Usage Notes

The word 'survive' often carries a connotation of struggle or triumph over adversity, making it a powerful term in storytelling and persuasive writing. It is used both literally (e.g., surviving an accident) and figuratively (e.g., surviving challenges).

Why survive Matters for GRE & SAT

This word is significant for GRE test-takers as it embodies themes of persistence and resilience, which frequently appear in reading comprehension passages and analytical writing prompts.

Word Family

survivor (noun)
A person who continues to live despite hardship or danger.
survival (noun)
The act or fact of living or existing, especially under difficult conditions.
surviving (adjective)
Continuing to live or exist despite adversity.

Did You Know?

  • The phrase 'survival of the fittest,' popularized by Charles Darwin, is often used to describe the process of natural selection.
  • Survival-themed reality TV shows, like 'Survivor,' have brought the concept into popular culture, highlighting human resourcefulness and endurance.
  • The word 'survive' has been used in countless motivational speeches, emphasizing the human spirit's ability to endure.
  • fortitude
  • persist
  • Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior

More Vocabulary Words Starting with S

  • Sycophant — A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior