survive
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /sərˈvaɪv/
KK: /sərˈvaɪv/
intransitive verb
Definition
To continue to live or exist, especially after facing difficult conditions or challenges.
Example
After the storm, many animals struggled to survive in the harsh environment.
Tense Forms
Past: survived
Past Participle: survived
Conversation
I can't believe how tough this past year has been.
I know, right? It's amazing how we survive through so much.
Exactly! Sometimes I wonder how people manage to keep going.
It really shows the strength we all have to survive life's challenges.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
persist
endure
last
Antonyms
perish
fade
die
transitive verb
Definition
To continue to live or exist, especially after facing difficult conditions or challenges.
Example
Despite the harsh winter, the animals managed to survive.
Tense Forms
Past: survived
Past Participle: survived
Conversation
I can't believe how well you survive in tough situations.
Thanks! I guess I've just learned to adapt over time.
Yeah, you really inspire me to be more resilient.
Root Explanation
Survive → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under) and "vivere" (meaning to live). The word originally described living on or continuing to live after a situation that might threaten life.
Memory Tip
Think of living 'under' ('sub-') difficult circumstances — that's why survive means to continue living.
Visually Confused Words
supervive
unsurvived
spurtive
scurvied