What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lived
Example
I have lived in this city for ten years. [lived: past participle]
Example
She lived a long and fulfilling life. [lived: verb]
Example
The family lived in a small apartment in the city. [lived: verb]
survived
Example
He survived the car accident with only minor injuries. [survived: verb]
Example
The company survived the economic downturn by cutting costs. [survived: verb]
Example
After being lost in the wilderness for three days, she finally survived by finding a stream and following it to civilization. [survived: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lived is more commonly used than survived in everyday language. Lived is a common word that can be used in many different contexts, while survived is less common and is typically used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lived and survived?
Lived is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Survived has a connotation of overcoming adversity or difficulty, which makes it more appropriate for informal or emotional contexts.
