What does outlive mean?
Outlive is a transitive verb meaning to live longer than someone or something else. Its most direct use concerns people, as in saying that a parent outlived a child or that a person outlived a close friend. The verb also has a broader figurative sense: a law, invention, building, institution, or artistic work may outlive the person who created it or the historical period in which it arose. This use carries the idea of endurance and continuing relevance rather than mere existence. Outlive can also mean that something remains in use longer than expected, although outlast may be more natural in some contexts. The word is common in formal writing, journalism, biography, and ordinary conversation. It is especially memorable because it captures how human beings, ideas, and human creations can have very different durations: a person may be gone while a work, practice, or legacy continues to shape the world.
verbTo live or continue to exist longer than someone or something else. It can also mean to remain useful or valid beyond the lifetime or period of another person, thing, or arrangement.
- To live longer than another person or creature.
- To continue in existence or use beyond the lifetime, usefulness, or period of another person, thing, or arrangement.
"Her work in public health may well outlive her."
"The youngest sibling outlived all the others."
"The building is expected to outlive the current lease."
Outlive captures the striking idea that an idea, work, or legacy can prove more enduring than the person who created it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outlive come from?
Outlive is formed in English from the prefix out- and the verb live, expressing the idea of living beyond another person or period. The element live belongs to a Germanic family that also includes alive, lively, and living. The compound was already established in Middle English, when out- commonly meant 'beyond' or 'longer than.' Its modern figurative uses developed naturally from the idea of physical survival to broader forms of endurance.
Related word forms
How outlive is actually used
The word is standard in British and American English. It is often used with works, ideas, institutions, and objects as well as people, and can suggest that something remains influential or effective after its creator has gone.
Easily confused with outlive
Outlive usually describes a person remaining alive beyond another person's death or a thing continuing to exist beyond its expected period, whereas outlast more generally means to last longer than something.
Survive can mean to remain alive after danger or difficulty, while outlive specifically means to live longer than someone or something else.