adjective / noun
living
The ongoing activity of sustaining one's life.
She earns a living by repairing bicycles in her neighborhood.
Etymology
Living comes from live with -ing, which can name an activity as well as describe a state. Here it presents life as the continuing activity of maintaining oneself.
More examples
- The rising cost of living leaves us little to save.
- Every living plant needs water to survive.
- He makes a modest living as a freelance editor.
Forms
living · livings
Similar words
- alive
- Describes having life, rather than the means of supporting it.
- livelihood
- Refers specifically to the income or work that supports someone.