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Phrasal verbs "live by" vs "live for"

Differences between live by and live for

The main difference between live by and live for is that live by means to follow a certain set of principles or rules, while live for means to have a strong passion or purpose in life.

Meanings and Definitions: live by vs live for

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Live by

  • 1Follow a belief system to guide your behaviour.

    He tries hard to LIVE BY the Bible.

Live for

  • 1Believe something is extremely important.

    He LIVES FOR football.

Usage Examples: live by, live for in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

live by

Example

She tries to live by the golden rule: treat others as you want to be treated.

Example

He lives by the teachings of his religion.

live for

Example

She lives for her children and their happiness.

Example

He lives for playing the guitar and performing on stage.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Live by

abide by

To follow or obey a certain set of rules or principles.

Example

As a lawyer, she always abides by the code of ethics and professional conduct.

adhere to

To stick to or follow a certain set of guidelines or beliefs.

Example

He always adheres to his strict workout routine to maintain his fitness level.

stick to

To remain loyal or committed to a certain set of values or practices.

Example

Despite the challenges, she decided to stick to her vegan diet and lifestyle.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Live for

be passionate about

To have a strong interest or enthusiasm for something.

Example

She is passionate about environmental issues and volunteers regularly to support related causes.

have a calling

To feel a strong sense of purpose or mission in life.

Example

After years of working in finance, he realized that teaching was his true calling and decided to pursue a career change.

pursue a dream

To actively work towards achieving a personal goal or aspiration.

Example

Despite the obstacles, she never gave up on pursuing her dream of becoming a successful writer.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “by”

Phrasal Verbs with “for”

Differences in live by vs live for: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: live by or live for?

In everyday conversation, both phrases are used but live for is more common. People often talk about their passions, goals, and dreams, which makes live for a more frequently used phrase.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of live by and live for

Both live by and live for are informal phrases used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of live by and live for

The tone of live by and live for can differ based on context. Live by often carries a serious or moralistic tone when related to following principles or rules, while live for typically has an enthusiastic and optimistic tone, especially when referring to pursuing one's passions or goals.

live by & live for: Synonyms and Antonyms

Live by

Synonyms

Live for

Synonyms

  • devote oneself to
  • be passionate about
  • focus on
  • center one's life around
  • be dedicated to

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