1 B1 neutral
To find the deepest purpose, motivation, or happiness in something; to consider it the most important thing in life.
"She lives for her children — everything she does is for them."
inseparable
live for
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To regard something as the most important source of meaning or joy in your life.
In plain English
Something that makes life feel worth living for you.
What does "live for" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
Used hyperbolically in informal speech to express great enthusiasm or love for something.
"I absolutely live for her new album — I've listened to it every day this week."
inseparable
3 B2 neutral
To have only one thing keeping you alive or motivated, especially in difficult times.
"During his long illness, he lived for the letters he received from his grandchildren."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Transparent — to exist in order to experience or pursue something.
Actually means
Something that makes life feel worth living for you.
Usage tip
Can be used literally (to have a reason to stay alive) or hyperbolically in casual speech ('I live for this song'). The hyperbolic use is very common in informal and online contexts.
Words that pair with "live for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
music family weekend football moment children
How to conjugate "live for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
live for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lives for
he/she/it
Past simple
lived for
yesterday
Past participle
lived for
have + pp
-ing form
living for
continuous
Hear "live for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "live for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "live for"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
be devoted to be obsessed with be passionate about exist for thrive on treasure
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