LIVING ON Meaning and
Definition
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Living on is a phrasal verb that can have different contextual meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In its most literal sense, it can refer to the act of residing in a particular place or premises, often implying a more temporary or transient situation compared to a permanent residence. For example, if someone says they are "living on campus," it means they reside in or have accommodation at a college or university.
In a broader sense, living on can also convey the idea of depending on or subsisting through a certain means or source. For instance, if someone mentions that they are "living on a fixed income," it implies that their financial resources are limited and they rely solely on a specific, predetermined amount for their livelihood.
Additionally, living on can be used to describe maintaining or persevering in a particular situation or condition. For example, if someone says that they are "living on hope," it means they are buoyed by a positive outlook and belief, often in the face of adversity.
Overall, living on encompasses the notions of residing or dwelling in a specific location, depending on a particular source for subsistence, or persevering through a specific condition or circumstance. The meaning of this phrasal verb can vary significantly based on the surrounding context.
Common Misspellings for LIVING ON
- living on
- kiving on
- piving on
- luving on
- ljving on
- lkving on
- loving on
- l9ving on
- l8ving on
- licing on
- libing on
- liging on
- lifing on
- livung on
- livjng on
- livkng on
- livong on
- liv9ng on
- liv8ng on
- livibg on
Etymology of LIVING ON
The phrase living on does not have a distinct etymology as it is composed of two separate words that have their own origins.
The word living can be traced back to Old English, where the word líf meant life and was combined with the suffix -ing, which indicated the present participle form. Over time, this became livand in Middle English and eventually evolved into the modern term living.
On the other hand, the preposition on has its roots in Old English on and can be traced back to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages, where it had similar meanings of in, onto, or upon. It has remained relatively unchanged over time, even in modern English.
Therefore, the phrase living on does not have a unique etymology itself, but rather encompasses the origins of the individual words living and on.
Idioms with the word LIVING ON
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living on borrowed time
The idiom "living on borrowed time" means that someone is living or continuing to exist beyond the expected or anticipated time, often in a dangerous or precarious situation. It implies that the person's remaining time is uncertain and could end abruptly or sooner than expected. This expression is often used when someone survives a life-threatening situation or is in a deteriorating health state, emphasizing that they are essentially living on borrowed or extra time.
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