verb
survive
sur-VYVE/sərˈvaɪv/
To continue living beyond a danger or another person's lifetime.
A small green tree survives in the storm-damaged rocky landscape.
Etymology
To survive is literally to “live beyond.” Originally used for outliving another person, especially in inheritance, it broadened to continuing in existence beyond a danger, loss, or point in time.
In context
Krill can survive the dark Antarctic winter by shrinking their bodies, conserving energy
More examples
- Only two hikers survived the avalanche.
- Her grandfather survived his wife by ten years.
- These plants can survive on very little water.
Forms
survive · survives · survived · surviving
survival noun — Continued life or existence despite danger.
survivor noun — Someone who remains alive after danger.
Similar words
- outlive
- Specifically means living longer than another person or thing.
- endure
- Emphasizes bearing hardship rather than simply remaining alive.