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?"
inseparable
live on
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To survive using a particular amount of money or food, or to continue to exist after death in memory or legacy.
In plain English
To manage to survive with a certain amount of food or money, or to be remembered after you die.
What does "live on" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To continue living while sustained by something — 'on' implies continuity and dependence.
Actually means
To manage to survive with a certain amount of food or money, or to be remembered after you die.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "live on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
memory legacy salary minimum wage bread legend
How to conjugate "live on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "live on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "live on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "live on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
be remembered endure get by on persist subsist on survive on
Keep exploring
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