Outlive

To live or exist longer than something or someone else; to survive. This can apply to people, animals, objects, or even abstract concepts. It often implies a relationship of time, where one entity persists beyond the lifespan or duration of another. The term emphasizes the comparative longevity, highlighting which item has the greater capacity to endure. The subject that outlives witnesses the end or decay of the other. It suggests a continuation despite the demise, destruction, or obsolescence of something else. The period 'outlived' can span the existence or even usage of what is outlived. It can refer to the surviving of physical limitations or the end of eras. The impact of something outlived also has the potential to affect what outlives it.

Outlive meaning with examples

• Despite enduring numerous health challenges, the resilient matriarch remarkably **outlived** all of her children, witnessing the births of her great-grandchildren. Her longevity was a testament to her strength, creating an enduring family legacy. Her stories, which spoke of many of her family who came before, painted a picture of someone who'd seen it all.
• The ancient oak tree, rooted deeply in the valley for centuries, has easily **outlived** the numerous generations of families that have occupied the surrounding farmlands. Its weathered branches whispered tales of bygone eras and served as a silent guardian of the landscape, which saw many battles.
• The original design for the car was quickly surpassed by newer innovations, but the base model **outlived** the sales of several updates. This shows the ability to be popular over a lengthy period, maintaining a presence and influencing the roadscape. This continued to increase as time went on and it began to influence other manufacturers.
• While the physical copies of books might diminish and be replaced by digital versions, the timeless stories themselves are likely to outlive the technological mediums used to access them. This shows how the power of written word stands up to the many changing developments.
• The composer’s passion for the symphony **outlived** the initial criticism it received, as years later the composition gained widespread recognition and appreciation. His legacy, of which this composition was a part of, continued to grow over time.