live with
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To share your home with someone, or to accept something bad that won't go away.
Literal meaning: To share a living space with someone — also extended metaphorically to living alongside a problem or condition.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To share your home with another person.
"She's been living with her sister since the divorce."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To accept and continue life despite an ongoing difficult, painful, or unchangeable situation.
"Millions of people live with chronic pain every day."
Grammar: inseparable
3 B1
idiomatic
informal
To accept a decision or outcome, even if it is not ideal.
"It's not a perfect solution, but I can live with it."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The 'accept a difficult situation' sense often carries a tone of resignation. Common in medical contexts ('living with diabetes'). Distinct from 'live with oneself', which has a moral dimension.
Commonly used with
pain consequences disability decision uncertainty partner
Forms
Base
live with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lives with
he/she/it
Past simple
lived with
yesterday
Past participle
lived with
have + pp
-ing form
living with
continuous
Understand "live with" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "live with" on Looplines