B1verb 2K

Survive

UK //səˈvaɪv// US //sərˈvaɪv// Pronunciation

Definition

To continue to live or exist, especially after a difficult or dangerous situation.

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In simple words: to continue to live or exist, especially in difficult conditions

Examples

• The soldier was trained to survive in harsh environments.
• She had to learn how to survive without her parents.
• Many plants can survive extreme temperatures.
• They struggled to survive after the earthquake struck.
• He wrote a book about how to survive in the wild.
• Despite the challenges, they managed to survive as a community.

Usage notes

Use 'survive' when discussing enduring life-threatening situations or challenges. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

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Grammar pattern

survive + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'survivor' in a reality show who manages to last until the end.

Collocations

• survive a disaster
• survive tough times
• survive an accident
• survive on limited resources
• survive against all odds

Synonyms

• endure
• persist
• last
• live
• weather

Antonyms

• perish
• die
• fail

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'survived' as a noun (it's a verb)
• Using 'survive' without an object when one is needed
• Mistaking it for 'survivor' which is a noun