survive
UK: səˈvaɪv | US: sərˈvaɪv
vi. to remain alive or in existence
vt. to continue to live or exist despite danger or hardship
vt. to outlive or outlast someone or something
survive = sur<above, beyond> + vive<live>
- sur (from Latin super, meaning "above, beyond")
- vive (from Latin vivere, meaning "to live")
Etymology Origin:
The word "survive" originates from Latin supervivere, combining super ("over, beyond") and vivere ("to live"). It originally meant "to live beyond" a specific event or threat, such as outliving a disaster. Over time, it broadened to encompass enduring hardships or persisting in existence. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: sur- emphasizes overcoming, while -vive anchors the concept in life.
Few plants can survive in extreme desert conditions.
She survived the accident with minor injuries.
Ancient traditions still survive in remote villages.
The company struggled to survive the economic crisis.
He survived his wife by ten years.