Lifetime vs. Lifelong — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 7, 2024
Lifetime refers to the duration of a person's or thing's existence, while lifelong signifies something lasting for the entirety of a person's life.
Difference Between Lifetime and Lifelong
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lifetime encompasses the entire duration from birth to death of an individual or the existence span of an object or entity. Lifelong, on the other hand, describes activities, commitments, interests, or relationships that persist for the whole of a person's life.
While lifetime serves as a measurement of duration, either for life itself or for the functional period of objects and concepts, lifelong applies specifically to the enduring characteristics, pursuits, or commitments that span an individual's entire life. The distinction lies in the application: lifetime as a measure of time, and lifelong as a descriptor of duration and commitment.
These concepts intersect in the narrative of human experience, with lifetime providing the temporal framework within which lifelong pursuits and relationships unfold. The difference underscores the breadth of time versus the depth of experience and commitment over that time.
In human context, lifetime often used to measure the temporal boundaries of one's life or to denote the period during which something remains active or in use. Lifelong is often used to highlight the enduring nature of personal development, learning, or emotional bonds.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The duration of a person's life or existence of an object.
Lasting for the entirety of a person's life.
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Application
Used to denote the length of life or functional period.
Describes enduring characteristics or commitments.
Context
Can apply to both living beings and inanimate objects.
Primarily applies to human experiences and activities.
Emphasis
On the temporal span.
On continuity and permanence within a lifetime.
Examples
A person's lifetime achievement.
A lifelong hobby or passion.
Compare with Definitions
Lifetime
The period during which a person lives or an object is functional.
The bridge was designed to have a lifetime of over a century.
Lifelong
A commitment or activity that one engages in for all of one's life.
His lifelong dedication to charity work is admirable.
Lifetime
The maximum amount of time or usage that a service or product can be expected to provide.
The software license has a lifetime limit of five years.
Lifelong
Pertaining to something that lasts for a person's entire life.
She had a lifelong passion for learning languages.
Lifetime
The full length of an individual's life.
She achieved much in her lifetime.
Lifelong
A relationship or bond that lasts throughout life.
They shared a lifelong friendship that began in childhood.
Lifetime
The time during which a product is guaranteed to work.
The product comes with a 10-year lifetime warranty.
Lifelong
Activities or interests pursued continuously through life.
Writing became his lifelong pursuit.
Lifetime
Recognizes the accomplishments over someone's life.
He received a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to science.
Lifelong
An interest that one maintains throughout the entirety of one's life.
Her lifelong interest in astronomy led her to a career in space science.
Lifetime
The period of time during which an individual is alive.
Lifelong
Continuing for a lifetime.
Lifetime
The period of time during which property, an object, a process, or a phenomenon exists or functions.
Lifelong
Extending for the entire duration of life.
They were lifelong friends; they met in elementary school and ended their lives in the same rest home.
Lifetime
Continuing for a lifetime; lifelong.
Lifelong
Lasting or continuing through life.
Lifetime
Occurring or measured over a person's active career
A lifetime batting average.
Lifelong
Continuing through life;
A lifelong friend
From lifelong habit
His lifelong study of Greek art
Lifetime
The duration of the life of someone or something.
A project that will take many human lifetimes to complete
The operational lifetime of an aircraft component
Lifetime
A long period of time.
I've been waiting a lifetime for a train.
Lifetime
The time that life continues.
Lifetime
The period during which something is functional (as between birth and death);
The battery had a short life
He lived a long and happy life
Common Curiosities
Is a lifetime warranty really for a lifetime?
A lifetime warranty typically covers the product for the expected lifespan of the product, not the purchaser's lifetime, and is often subject to terms and conditions.
How do you measure a lifetime?
A lifetime is measured from the beginning to the end of an individual's life or the functional period of an object.
Is a lifetime achievement the same as a lifelong achievement?
They are closely related, but a lifetime achievement often recognizes public or professional accomplishments, while lifelong might emphasize more personal or continuous efforts.
Can lifelong learning have a significant impact on one’s lifetime?
Yes, lifelong learning can enrich a person's life, potentially leading to personal growth and satisfaction throughout their lifetime.
Can something be both lifetime and lifelong?
Yes, some commitments or achievements can be described as both, depending on context.
How does one commit to a lifelong goal?
Committing to a lifelong goal involves continuous effort, dedication, and often adapting to changes over time while staying focused on the end objective.
Are there benefits to having lifelong goals?
Lifelong goals can provide direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose, contributing to overall happiness and fulfillment.
Can hobbies truly be lifelong?
Yes, many people maintain certain hobbies for the entirety of their lives, finding continuous joy and fulfillment in them.
What does it mean to have a lifelong friend?
A lifelong friend is someone with whom you maintain a friendship throughout the majority of your life, often from childhood or youth.
What is a lifetime opportunity?
A lifetime opportunity is a chance or prospect that is considered exceptionally valuable and may not occur again within one's lifetime.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
