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Phrasal verbs "kill off" vs "live off"

Differences between kill off and live off

Kill off means to completely destroy or eliminate something, while live off means to rely on something or someone for financial support or sustenance.

Meanings and Definitions: kill off vs live off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Kill off

  • 1Reduce or exterminate a population by hunting, pollution, development, etc..

    There used to be a lot of wolves around here, but most of them have been KILLED OFF.

Live off

  • 1Use money earned.

    They find it hard to LIVE OFF the money they make.

  • 2Be financially supported.

    He's 40 and he still LIVES OFF his parents.

Usage Examples: kill off, live off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

kill off

Example

The construction of the new highway will kill off many trees in the area.

Example

The pesticide kills off the pests but also harms the environment.

live off

Example

Many young adults live off their parents while they attend college.

Example

She lives off her savings while looking for a new job.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Kill off

wipe out

To completely eliminate or destroy something.

Example

The hurricane wiped out the entire town, leaving nothing but rubble behind.

eradicate

To completely remove or destroy something, especially a disease or problem.

Example

The government launched a campaign to eradicate malaria from the country by distributing mosquito nets and medication.

exterminate

To completely eliminate or destroy a group of living beings, especially pests or insects.

Example

The pest control company was hired to exterminate the cockroach infestation in the apartment building.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Live off

depend on

To rely on something or someone for support or assistance.

Example

She depends on her parents for financial support while she finishes college.

subsist on

To survive or live on a limited amount of resources or income.

Example

The family had to subsist on rice and beans for weeks after losing their jobs.

survive on

To continue living or existing with the help of something or someone.

Example

The small business was able to survive on government loans during the pandemic.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “live”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in kill off vs live off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: kill off or live off?

In everyday conversation, live off is more common than kill off. This is because live off is used in a variety of situations where people rely on something or someone for support, such as living off savings or living off a partner's income. Kill off is less common and is usually used in specific contexts, such as discussing the extinction of a species or the elimination of a business.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of kill off and live off

Kill off and live off are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, kill off may be considered more dramatic or intense than live off, and may not be appropriate in certain formal settings.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of kill off and live off

The tone of kill off and live off can differ based on context. Kill off often carries a negative or ominous tone, while live off typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to relying on a supportive person or system.

kill off & live off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Live off

Synonyms

  • depend on
  • rely on
  • subsist on
  • survive on
  • sustain oneself on

Antonyms

  • support oneself
  • be independent
  • be self-sufficient
  • provide for oneself

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