life · n
life (PERSON'S EXISTENCE)
B2 the existence of a person
Dictionary examples:
Many lives are lost to TB. (14.1)
A simple mixture of glucose and water can save lives in many parts of the world. (67.0)
life (ENERGY)
B2 energy or enthusiasm
Dictionary examples:
She's so full of life. (11.6)
life (ACTIVE PERIOD)
C2 the amount of time that a machine, system, etc., exists or can be used
Dictionary examples:
The newer batteries have a much longer life. (26.9)
Careful use will prolong the life of your machine. (40.9)
The legislation won't be passed during the life of the present parliament. (52.4)
for life
C1 for the whole of someone's life
Dictionary examples:
I will have to take this medicine for life. (16.6)
a matter of life and death
C2 a serious situation where people could die
Dictionary examples:
Getting water to these people is a matter of life and death. (30.5)
life (TIME)
A1 the time between a person's birth and their death
Dictionary examples:
Life is long. Learn to cook! (0.0)
Life is short. Eat cake first! (0.0)
Life is fun. Except Mondays! (0.0)
My life goal: sleep more! (0.0)
My life goal: pet all dogs! (0.0)
Life is short. Smile more! (0.0)
Life is short. Laugh more! (0.0)
Life is fun. Except homework time! (0.0)
Life is fun. Except Monday mornings! (0.0)
Life is short. Laugh at everything! (0.0)
Life is short. Hug more cats! (0.0)
Life is fun. Except early mornings! (0.0)
Life is short. Eat more pizza! (0.0)
Life is fun. Except when hungry! (0.0)
Life is long. Learn to cook noodles! (0.0)
Life is short. Eat more ice cream! (0.0)
Life is long. Learn to nap! (0.0)
Life's too short to worry about money! (11.9)
He doesn't know what he really wants out of life. (14.6)
He lost his life in the Great War. (14.9)
Unfortunately, accidents are part of life. (15.0)
I'm not sure I want to spend the rest of my life in this town. (16.7)
a/sb's way of life
B1 the manner in which a person lives
Dictionary examples:
The office worker's life was a cycle of coffee, meetings, and daydreaming about vacations. (0.0)
The teenager's life was a constant battle between studying and checking social media. (0.0)
The student's life was a juggling act between coffee addiction and deadline panic. (0.0)
She told us all about her way of life in Japan. (16.5)
life (PLANTS/ANIMALS)
B1 everything which is alive
Dictionary examples:
The scientist discovered a new form of life: dancing bacteria! (0.0)
Farm life is busy: the chickens have important eggs to lay! (0.0)
The zoo's new exhibit: 'Life in slow motion' featuring sloths and snails. (0.0)
animal/marine/plant life (49.4)
life (WAY OF LIVING)
B1 a way of living
Dictionary examples:
In her life, procrastination is not a problem, it's a lifestyle. (0.0)
His life philosophy: 'Why walk when you can dance?' (0.0)
His life goal is to eat pizza in every country. (0.0)
You lead an exciting life. (18.6)
Teaching has been her whole life. (46.9)
A vacation is a pleasant change from everyday life. (48.6)
family/private/work, etc. life
B1 one part of someone's existence
Dictionary examples:
My coffee life begins at 7 AM and ends when my work life starts. (0.0)
My online life is full of likes, but my offline life needs some updates. (0.0)
My cooking life is a disaster, but my takeout life is five-star! (0.0)
my working life (18.8)
I never talk about my private life. (21.3)
I like to keep my home life and work life separate, so I don't bring work home from the office. (32.4)
We interviewed senior politicians, famous writers and others in public life. (36.3)