survivor
UK: səˈvaɪvə | US: sərˈvaɪvər
n. a person who survives, especially after enduring danger, hardship, or adversity
n. a remaining member of a group or family after others have passed away
n. (ecology) an organism that persists in a changing environment
survivor = sur<above, beyond> + viv<live> + or<agent noun suffix>
- sur (from Latin super, meaning "above, beyond")
- viv (from Latin vivere, meaning "to live")
- or (Latin-derived suffix indicating a person or thing that performs an action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "survivor" traces back to Latin roots. The prefix sur- (from super) implies overcoming or transcending, while viv- (from vivere) denotes life. Combined with the agent suffix -or, the term literally means "one who lives beyond" a challenge or threat. The word entered Middle English via Old French survivre, retaining its core meaning of enduring despite adversity.
The sole survivor of the shipwreck was rescued after three days at sea.
She is a cancer survivor and now advocates for early detection.
The documentary features survivors of the natural disaster sharing their stories.
Only a few species survived as survivors of the mass extinction event.
As the last surviving member, he became the family's sole survivor.