Alive vs. Live — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 19, 2023
"Alive" is an adjective describing something as having life or being active. "Live" can be an adjective, verb, or adverb and describes either the act of living or something happening in real-time.
Difference Between Alive and Live
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Key Differences
"Alive" is an adjective that indicates that something or someone has life. For example, "The dog is alive." "Live," depending on its usage, can be a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. As a verb, it means to have life, and as an adjective, it can describe something occurring in real-time, such as a "live broadcast."
While "alive" focuses specifically on the state of having life or being active, "live" can refer to multiple contexts, including the act of living or events that are happening currently. "The concert is live" means it's occurring now, which is different from saying someone is "alive," focusing only on the existence of life.
In terms of grammar, "alive" is primarily an adjective and has limited usage outside that category. "Live," on the other hand, is more versatile and can function as a verb ("I live in New York"), an adjective ("The live audience cheered"), or an adverb ("The band played live").
It's important to note that the meanings of "alive" and "live" may overlap in some contexts but are generally used differently. "Alive" focuses on life or activity, while "live" often emphasizes real-time occurrences or the action of living. Therefore, understanding the context is key in determining which word to use.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Verb, Adjective, Adverb
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Meaning
Having life
Act of living or real-time
Usage
Limited to describing life
Versatile
Context
Focus on life
Focus on real-time or living
Grammatical Rules
Primarily an adjective
Varied
Compare with Definitions
Alive
Having life.
The cat is alive.
Live
To have life.
I live in California.
Alive
Still in existence.
Old traditions are still alive.
Live
Occurring in real-time.
The concert is live.
Alive
Full of energy.
She felt alive after the workout.
Live
Remain alive
Both cats lived to a ripe age
The doctors said she had only six months to live
Alive
Aware or conscious.
He became alive to the possibilities.
Live
Make one's home in a particular place or with a particular person
I've lived in the East End all my life
They lived with his grandparents
Alive
Having life; living.
Live
Not dead or inanimate; living
Live animals
Alive
In existence or operation; active
Keep your hopes alive.
Live
Relating to a musical performance given in concert, not on a recording
There is traditional live music played most nights
A live album
Alive
Full of living or moving things; abounding
A pool alive with trout.
Live
(of a wire or device) connected to a source of electric current.
Alive
Full of activity or animation; lively
A face alive with mischief.
Live
(of a question or subject) of current or continuing interest and importance
The future organization of Europe has become a live issue
Alive
(Sports) In play; live
A foul called when the ball is alive.
Live
As or at an actual event or performance
The match will be televised live
Alive
Having life; living; not dead.
As long as the plant is alive, he will continue to water it.
Live
To be alive; exist.
Alive
In a state of action; in force or operation; existent.
To keep the fire alive
To keep the affections alive
Live
To continue to be alive
Lived through a bad accident.
Alive
Busy with activity of many living beings; swarming; thronged; busy.
Although quite dull during the day, the main street comes alive at night, with many bars and clubs opening.
Live
To support oneself; subsist
Living on rice and fish.
Lives on a small inheritance.
Alive
(of electrical wiring) Carrying electrical current; energized.
DANGER: OVERHEAD CATENARY - WIRE IS ALIVE
Live
To reside; dwell
Lives on a farm.
Alive
Sprightly; lively; brisk.
Live
To conduct one's life in a particular manner
Lived frugally.
Alive
Susceptible, sensitive; easy to impress; having keen feelings, as opposed to apathy.
Live
To pursue a positive, satisfying existence; enjoy life
Those who truly live.
Alive
(intensifier) Out of all living creatures.
Live
To remain in human memory
An event that lives on in our minds.
Alive
(computer programming) live
Live
To spend or pass (one's life).
Alive
Having life, in opposition to dead; living; being in a state in which the organs perform their functions; as, an animal or a plant which is alive.
Live
To go through; experience
Lived a nightmare.
Alive
In a state of action; in force or operation; unextinguished; unexpired; existent; as, to keep the fire alive; to keep the affections alive.
Live
To practice in one's life
Live one's beliefs.
Alive
Exhibiting the activity and motion of many living beings; swarming; thronged.
The Boyne, for a quarter of a mile, was alive with muskets and green boughs.
Live
Having life; alive
Live animals.
Alive
Sprightly; lively; brisk.
Live
Of, related to, or occurring during the life of one that is living
A live birth.
The live weight of an animal before being slaughtered.
Alive
Having susceptibility; easily impressed; having lively feelings, as opposed to apathy; sensitive.
Tremblingly alive to nature's laws.
Live
Of current interest or relevance
A live topic.
Still a live option.
Alive
Of all living (by way of emphasis).
Northumberland was the proudest man alive.
Live
(Informal) Full of life, excitement, or activity; lively
A live crowd at the parade.
A live party.
Alive
Possessing life;
The happiest person alive
The nerve is alive
Doctors are working hard to keep him alive
Burned alive
Live
Glowing; burning
Live coals.
Alive
(often followed by `with') full of life and spirit;
She was wonderfully alive for her age
A face alive with mischief
Live
Not yet exploded but capable of being fired
Live ammunition.
Alive
Having life or vigor or spirit;
An animated and expressive face
Animated conversation
Became very animated when he heard the good news
Live
(Electricity) Carrying an electric current or energized with electricity
Live cables lying dangerously on the ground.
Alive
(followed by `to' or `of') aware of;
Is alive to the moods of others
Live
Not mined or quarried; in the natural state
Live ore.
Alive
In operation;
Keep hope alive
The tradition was still alive
An active tradition
Live
Broadcast while actually being performed; not taped, filmed, or recorded
A live television program.
Alive
(usually followed by `to') showing acute awareness; mentally perceptive;
Alert to the problems
Alive to what is going on
Awake to the dangers of her situation
Was now awake to the reality of his predicament
Live
Involving performers or spectators who are physically present
Live entertainment.
A live audience.
Alive
Capable of erupting;
A live volcano
The volcano is very much alive
Live
Of, relating to, or containing living bacteria or active viruses, sometimes in an attenuated form
Live yogurt cultures.
A live measles vaccine.
Alive
Active or animated.
The party was alive with laughter.
Live
(Printing) Not yet set into type
Live copy.
Live
(Sports) In play
A live ball.
Live
At, during, or from the time of actual occurrence or performance
The landing on the moon was telecast live.
Live
(intransitive) To be alive; to have life.
He's not expected to live for more than a few months.
Live
(intransitive) To have permanent residence somewhere, to inhabit, to reside.
I live at 2a Acacia Avenue.
He lives in LA, but he's staying here over the summer.
Live
(of an object) to have its proper place; to normally be stored.
I washed your gravy boat. Where does it live?
Live
(intransitive) To survive; to persevere; to continue.
Live
(intransitive) To endure in memory; to escape oblivion.
Her memory lives in that song.
Live
To cope.
You'll just have to live with it!
I can't live in a world without you.
Live
(intransitive) To pass life in a specified manner.
It is difficult to live in poverty.
And they lived happily ever after.
Live
(transitive) To spend, as one's life; to pass; to maintain; to continue in, constantly or habitually.
To live an idle or a useful life.
Live
(transitive) To act habitually in conformity with; to practice; to exemplify in one's way of life.
Live
To live as; to live being.
Live
(intransitive) To outlast danger; to float (said of a ship, boat, etc).
No ship could live in such a storm.
Live
To maintain or support one's existence; to provide for oneself; to feed; to subsist.
It is hard to live on the minimum wage.
They lived on stale bread.
Man shall not live by bread alone.
Live
To make the most of life; to experience a full, rich life.
I'm sick of spending every day studying at home: I want to go out there and live!
Live
(only used attributively) Having life; that is alive.
The post office will not ship live animals.
Live
Being in existence; actual.
He is a live example of the consequences of excessive drinking.
Live
Having active properties; being energized.
Because the vaccinia virus is live, it is important to follow care instructions for the vaccination site.
Live
Operational; in actual use rather than in testing etc.
Live
(programming) Of an object or value: that may potentially be used in the future execution of a program.
Live
Taken from a living animal.
Live feathers
Live
(engineering) Imparting power; having motion.
The live spindle of a lathe
A live, or driving, axle
Live
(sports) Still in active play.
A live ball
Live
(card games) Of a card: not yet dealt or played.
Live
(broadcasting) Being broadcast ("on the air"), as it happens.
The station presented a live news program every evening.
Are we live?
Live
(of a performance or speech) In person.
This nightclub has a live band on weekends.
Live
Recorded from a performance in front of an audience.
A live album
Live
Of firearms or explosives, capable of causing harm.
The air force practices dropping live bombs on the uninhabited island.
Live
Of an environment where sound is recorded: having noticeable reverberation.
Live
(circuitry) Electrically charged or energized, usually indicating that the item may cause electrocution if touched.
Use caution when working near live wires.
Live
(poker) Being a bet which can be raised by the bettor, usually in reference to a blind or straddle.
Tommy's blind was live, so he was given the option to raise.
Live
(film) Featuring humans; not animated, in the phrases “live actors” or “live action”.
Live
Being in a state of ignition; burning.
A live coal; live embers
Live
(obsolete) Vivid; bright.
Live
(slang)
Live
(dated) Energetic, attentive, active.
A live man, or orator
Live
Outstanding, top-notch, exhilarating.
Live
Of an event, as it happens; in real time; direct.
The concert was broadcast live by radio.
Live
Of making a performance or speech, in person.
He'll be appearing live at the auditorium.
Live
To be alive; to have life; to have, as an animal or a plant, the capacity of assimilating matter as food, and to be dependent on such assimilation for a continuance of existence; as, animals and plants that live to a great age are long in reaching maturity.
Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will . . . lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live.
Live
To pass one's time; to pass life or time in a certain manner, as to habits, conduct, or circumstances; as, to live in ease or affluence; to live happily or usefully.
O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions!
Live
To make one's abiding place or home; to abide; to dwell; to reside; as, to live in a cottage by the sea.
Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years.
Live
To be or continue in existence; to exist; to remain; to be permanent; to last; - said of inanimate objects, ideas, etc.
Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtuesWe write in water.
Live
To enjoy or make the most of life; to be in a state of happiness; as, people want not just to exist, but to live.
What greater curse could envious fortune giveThan just to die when I began to live?
Live
To feed; to subsist; to be nourished or supported; - with on; as, horses live on grass and grain.
Live
To have a spiritual existence; to be quickened, nourished, and actuated by divine influence or faith.
The just shall live by faith.
Live
To be maintained in life; to acquire a livelihood; to subsist; - with on or by; as, to live on spoils.
Those who live by labor.
Live
To outlast danger; to float; - said of a ship, boat, etc.; as, no ship could live in such a storm.
A strong mast that lived upon the sea.
Live
To spend, as one's life; to pass; to maintain; to continue in, constantly or habitually; as, to live an idle or a useful life.
Live
To act habitually in conformity with; to practice.
To live the Gospel.
Live
Having life; alive; living; not dead.
If one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it.
Live
Being in a state of ignition; burning; having active properties; as, a live coal; live embers.
Live
Full of earnestness; active; wide awake; glowing; as, a live man, or orator.
Live
Vivid; bright.
Live
Imparting power; having motion; as, the live spindle of a lathe; live steam.
Live
Connected to a voltage source; as, a live wire.
Live
Being transmitted instantaneously, as events occur, in contrast to recorded.
Live
Still in active play; - of a ball being used in a game; as, a live ball.
Live
Pertaining to an entertainment event which was performed (and possibly recorded) in front of an audience; contrasted to performances recorded in a studio without an audience.
Live
Life.
Live
Make one's home or live in;
She resides officially in Iceland
I live in a 200-year old house
These people inhabited all the islands that are now deserted
The plains are sparsely populated
Live
Lead a certain kind of life; live in a certain style;
We had to live frugally after the war
Live
Continue to live; endure or last;
We went without water and food for 3 days
These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America
The racecar driver lived through several very serious accidents
Live
Support oneself;
He could barely exist on such a low wage
Can you live on $2000 a month in New York City?
Many people in the world have to subsist on $1 a day
Live
Have life, be alive;
Our great leader is no more
My grandfather lived until the end of war
Live
Have firsthand knowledge of states, situations, emotions, or sensations;
I know the feeling!
Have you ever known hunger?
I have lived a kind of hell when I was a drug addict
The holocaust survivors have lived a nightmare
I lived through two divorces
Live
Pursue a positive and satisfying existence;
You must accept yourself and others if you really want to live
Live
Actually being performed at the time of hearing or viewing;
A live television program
Brought to you live from Lincoln Center
Live entertainment involves performers actually in the physical presence of a live audience
Live
Showing characteristics of life; exerting force or containing energy;
Live coals
Tossed a live cigarette out the window
Got a shock from a live wire
Live ore is unmined ore
A live bomb
A live ball is one in play
Live
Highly reverberant;
A live concert hall
Live
Charged with an explosive;
Live ammunition
A live bomb
Live
Rebounds readily;
Clean bouncy hair
A lively tennis ball
As resiliant as seasoned hickory
Springy turf
Live
Abounding with life and energy;
The club members are a really live bunch
Live
In current use or ready for use;
Live copy is ready to be set in type or already set but not yet proofread
Live
Of current relevance;
A live issue
Still a live option
Live
Charged or energized with electricity;
A hot wire
A live wire
Live
Having life;
A live canary
Hit a live nerve
Famous living painters
Living tissue
Live
Capable of erupting;
A live volcano
The volcano is very much alive
Live
Not recorded;
The opera was broadcast live
Live
Filled with life or activity.
A live culture of bacteria.
Live
Used for immediate effect.
Live ammunition.
Live
Describes a current ongoing process.
We are live streaming now.
Common Curiosities
What does Live mean?
Live can be a verb, adjective, or adverb describing the act of living or something occurring in real-time.
What does Alive mean?
Alive is an adjective that describes something or someone as having life or being active.
What about "Live broadcast"?
In this context, "live" describes an event happening in real-time.
Is Alive only an adjective?
Yes, "alive" is primarily used as an adjective.
Can Alive describe energy?
Yes, "alive" can describe something as full of energy or activity.
Can Live be a verb?
Yes, "live" can function as a verb meaning to have life.
Can you say "Live people"?
Typically, you would say "alive people" to indicate they have life.
Is Alive used for non-living things?
Generally, "alive" is not used for non-living things.
Can Live be an adverb?
Yes, "live" can be an adverb, as in "The band played live."
Can Live describe immediacy?
Yes, "live" can describe something intended for immediate use or effect.
Does Live always refer to real-time?
No, "live" can also refer to the act of living or having life.
Does Alive always refer to life?
Primarily, but it can also refer to being active or energetic.
How is Alive grammatically categorized?
Alive is categorized as an adjective.
How is Live grammatically categorized?
Live can be categorized as a verb, adjective, or adverb.
Can Alive and Live be used interchangeably?
Generally, no. "Alive" focuses on life, while "live" focuses on the act of living or real-time events.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
