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live on

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To manage to survive with a certain amount of food or money, or to be remembered after you die.

Literal meaning: To continue living while sustained by something — 'on' implies continuity and dependence.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To survive financially or physically using only a specified amount of money or a particular food.

"How do people manage to live on the minimum wage in this city?"

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To continue to exist in the memories, hearts, or works of others after death.

"She may be gone, but her music will live on for generations."

3 A2 informal

To eat a specific food as a staple or near-exclusive diet.

"As a student, I basically lived on instant noodles and toast."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Has two clearly distinct senses: one practical (surviving on resources) and one figurative (lasting legacy). The figurative sense is common in eulogies, tributes, and inspirational writing.

Commonly used with

memory legacy salary minimum wage bread legend

Forms

Base
live on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lives on
he/she/it
Past simple
lived on
yesterday
Past participle
lived on
have + pp
-ing form
living on
continuous

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Synonyms

survive on get by on subsist on persist endure be remembered

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