Outlive
v.resilient, capableeveryday
What it means
To live or remain useful longer than expected.
Reach for it when describing someone or something that remains alive or useful longer than another
These well-made boots should outlive several cheaper pairs.
Choose between these
6- everyday
last longer than
plain comparison is preferred for objects
not when The phrase lacks the living resonance.
- everyday
duration beyond another object or period is the point
not when Outlast applies beyond living things and lacks mortality nuance.
- professional
continued existence through a threat is central
not when Survival does not require lasting longer than a comparator.
- professional
survive longer than
lifespan comparison needs direct wording
not when The expanded phrase can sound clinical about people.
- formal
endure beyond
continued presence after a limit suits the prose
not when Endurance suggests strain.
- literary
remain after
continuing presence following loss is emphasized
not when Remaining can be passive and temporary.
Said against
3- predecease
- expire before
- wear out sooner than
It naturally appears in
3- outlive expectations
The repaired radio continued to outlive expectations.
- outlive its usefulness
A familiar process can outlive its usefulness.
- built to outlive
The stone channel was built to outlive several wooden bridges.
Where this comes from
Outlive can be emotionally stark when comparing people; use sensitivity around bereavement.
- wiktionary, English verb, live or last longer than sense opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-27
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.