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life · noun /lɑɪf/Full view
Nouns: life
Adjectives: lifeless, lifelike, lifelong
Adverbs: lifelessly
life (TIME)
A1 C or U the time between a person's birth and their death
Dictionary examples:

Life's too short to worry about money!

I'm not sure I want to spend the rest of my life in this town.

Unfortunately, accidents are part of life.

He doesn't know what he really wants out of life.

He lost his life in the Great War.

Learner example:

Aleksandra likes [to] do almost everything because she likes life! (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

life (PLANTS/ANIMALS)
B1 U everything which is alive
Dictionary example:

animal/marine/plant life

Learner example:

I chose to visit the London Aquarium because I had never gone to an aquarium [to see] sea life before. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

life (WAY OF LIVING)
B1 C or U a way of living
Dictionary examples:

You lead an exciting life.

A vacation is a pleasant change from everyday life.

Teaching has been her whole life.

family/private/work, etc. life
B1 one part of someone's existence
Dictionary examples:

I never talk about my private life.

I like to keep my home life and work life separate, so I don't bring work home from the office.

my working life

We interviewed senior politicians, famous writers and others in public life.

Learner example:

The film [is] about family life. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Turkish)

a/sb's way of life
B1 the manner in which a person lives
Dictionary example:

She told us all about her way of life in Japan.

Learner example:

He told me about his hobbies, his way of life and especially about his love [of] learning languages. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

life (PERSON'S EXISTENCE)
B2 C the existence of a person
Dictionary examples:

Many lives are lost to TB.

A simple mixture of glucose and water can save lives in many parts of the world.

Learner example:

Finally if you witness an accident you [should] inform the police quickly, which can save lives. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swiss German)

life (ENERGY)
B2 U energy or enthusiasm
Dictionary example:

She's so full of life.

Learner example:

Above all, I like children very much because the[y're] full of life [and] always make a great impression on me when I have a chat with them. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

life (ACTIVE PERIOD)
C2 C usually no plural the amount of time that a machine, system, etc., exists or can be used
Dictionary examples:

The newer batteries have a much longer life.

Careful use will prolong the life of your machine.

The legislation won't be passed during the life of the present parliament.

for life
C1 for the whole of someone's life
Dictionary example:

I will have to take this medicine for life.

Learner example:

A wedding opens a new life when the two parties commit to each other for life. (International English Language Testing System; C1; French)

a matter of life and death
C2 a serious situation where people could die
Dictionary example:

Getting water to these people is a matter of life and death.

Learner example:

I told him it was a matter of life and death. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

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