student asking question

What's the difference between "alive" and "live"? Aren't they basically have the same meaning?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

It depends on how "live" is being used. "Alive" means to be living and breathing, to have life. Ex: She's alive and well after the accident. Ex: This show was on before you were alive. "Live" has a few different meanings and different pronunciations. "Live," pronounced "laiv," means that something is being broadcasted as it is happening and is not pre-recorded, such as a concert. Ex: We are coming to you live from Los Angeles. Ex: The band will be performing live "Live," pronounced "liv," means to have life or be alive. This has the same meaning as "alive." Ex: I want to live a long and happy life. Ex: My grandma lived to be 104. "Live," also pronounce "liv," means where you reside. Ex: She lives in Sweden. Ex: We live on South 8th street.

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