Outlive

Outlive is a verb in English that means to live longer than someone else or to continue to exist after a person, thing, or period has ended. It can describe literal bodily longevity as well as the persistence of objects, traditions, or ideas beyond the lifetime of their original carriers.

Etymology and senses: The word is formed from the prefix out- attached to the verb live. It is used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as a person outliving a family member or a tradition outliving the people who created it. The phrase can also describe continued existence of an object, institution, or concept after its notable era has passed.

Grammatical notes: Outlive is a transitive verb. Its past tense is outlived. The present tense is outlive, as in “They outlive most of their rivals.” The form is widely used across formal and informal registers.

Usage and examples: Common expressions include outlive one’s usefulness, outlive a fad, or outlive a memory. The term often conveys persistence beyond expected duration, whether referring to lifespans, reputations, or cultural artifacts. In metaphorical usage, it can suggest resilience or obsolescence depending on context.

See also: outlast, longevity, lifespan, mortality, survival.