survival

UK: səˈvaɪv(ə)l | US: sərˈvaɪv(ə)l

Definition
  1. n. the state or fact of continuing to live or exist, especially in difficult conditions

  2. n. something that has survived from an earlier time

Structure
sur <over, beyond>viv <live>al <noun suffix>sur <over, beyond>viv <live>al <noun suffix>
Etymology

survival = sur<over, beyond> + viv<live> + al<noun suffix>

  • sur<over, beyond>: From Latin super-, meaning "above" or "beyond."
  • viv<live>: From Latin vivere, meaning "to live."
  • al<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns of action or state (e.g., arrival, refusal).

Etymology Origin:
The word survival originates from the Latin supervivere ("to outlive"), combining super- (beyond) and vivere (to live). It entered English via Old French survivre, evolving to denote enduring or outlasting challenges. The suffix -al formalized it as a noun, reflecting the concept of persistence through adversity.

Examples
  1. Survival in the wilderness requires skill and resourcefulness.

  2. The ancient manuscript is a rare survival from the Middle Ages.

  3. His survival after the accident was considered miraculous.

  4. The species' survival depends on habitat conservation.

  5. She wrote a book about her survival during the war.