At the A1 level, 'lifetime' is a simple word that means the whole time a person is alive. You use it to talk about people you know, like your grandmother or grandfather. For example, you can say 'My grandfather had a long lifetime.' It is also used to talk about things that happen only once, like a very special vacation. You might hear people say 'a lifetime opportunity.' At this level, you should focus on the idea that a lifetime is a very, very long time, much longer than a day or a year. It is the total of all the years someone lives. You can also use it for simple things like a toy or a bike that lasts for many years.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'lifetime' to describe the duration of products. You might talk about a 'lifetime warranty' on a suitcase or the 'lifetime' of a battery. You understand that it means the period from when something starts to when it stops working. You can also use it in common phrases like 'once in a lifetime' to describe a rare event. You are learning that 'lifetime' is a compound word made of 'life' and 'time.' You can use it to talk about your own goals, such as 'I want to travel to every continent in my lifetime.' This level involves connecting the word to personal experiences and common consumer products.
At the B1 level, you use 'lifetime' more naturally in conversations about careers and achievements. You might describe a famous person's 'lifetime of work' or a 'lifetime achievement award.' You understand the difference between 'life' (the experience) and 'lifetime' (the duration). You can use it to express commitment, like 'a lifetime friend' or 'a lifetime member.' You also start to see it in more abstract contexts, such as the 'lifetime of a project' or the 'lifetime of a star' in science class. You are comfortable using it as both a noun and an adjective. You can explain why something is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience using more detailed reasons.
At the B2 level, you use 'lifetime' with more precision in professional and academic contexts. You can discuss the 'expected lifetime' of infrastructure or the 'lifetime cost' of an investment. You are aware of the nuances between 'lifetime' and 'lifespan,' using the former for functional duration and the latter for biological limits. You can use the word to discuss social issues, such as 'lifetime imprisonment' or the 'lifetime impact' of early childhood education. Your vocabulary includes more complex collocations like 'mean lifetime' or 'lifetime earnings.' You can write essays about how a person's lifetime experiences shape their character, using the word to provide a temporal framework for your arguments.
At the C1 level, you recognize the philosophical and metaphorical uses of 'lifetime.' You might use it to discuss the 'lifetime of an idea' or how cultural values change over a 'lifetime.' You understand its use in legal and technical jargon, such as 'lifetime interest' in property law or 'carrier lifetime' in physics. You can use the word to create emphasis in persuasive speaking, such as 'This is a lifetime commitment to excellence.' You are sensitive to the register and tone, knowing when 'lifetime' adds a sense of gravity or permanence to your statement. You can interpret literature where 'lifetime' is used to symbolize the journey of the soul or the fleeting nature of human existence.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'lifetime' in all its forms. You can use it in highly specialized fields, from quantum mechanics (the lifetime of a subatomic particle) to advanced economics (lifetime utility functions). You understand the historical evolution of the word and can use it with subtle irony or deep poetic meaning. You can navigate complex legal documents that define 'lifetime' in specific, non-obvious ways. You are capable of discussing the ontological implications of a 'digital lifetime' in the age of the internet. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, utilizing the word to convey precise temporal boundaries and profound existential significance.

lifetime en 30 segundos

  • Lifetime refers to the total duration of a person's life or the functional period of an object's existence from start to finish.
  • It is commonly used as a noun in phrases like 'in a lifetime' and as an adjective in 'lifetime achievement award.'
  • The word emphasizes rarity when used in the idiom 'once in a lifetime,' indicating something that happens very infrequently.
  • In technical contexts, it describes the reliability and longevity of machines, batteries, and various electronic components.

The word lifetime is a foundational noun in the English language that primarily describes the entire duration of a person's existence, from the moment of birth until the moment of death. However, its utility extends far beyond biological life. In modern contexts, we frequently apply this term to inanimate objects, systems, and even abstract concepts to define their functional span or operational period. When we speak about the lifetime of a car or a smartphone battery, we are referring to the window of time during which that object remains useful or effective before it inevitably fails or becomes obsolete.

Biological Duration
This refers to the years a human or animal lives. For example, 'In his lifetime, he saw the invention of the internet.'
Technical Longevity
This describes how long a machine or component lasts. 'The lifetime of this LED bulb is approximately fifty thousand hours.'
Metaphorical Rarity
Used to describe events so rare they might only happen once while a person is alive, such as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.'

The scientist dedicated her entire lifetime to finding a cure for the disease, working tirelessly in her laboratory for over fifty years.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing that it can be used both literally and figuratively. Literally, it is a measurement of time. Figuratively, it conveys a sense of total commitment or extreme rarity. In marketing, you will often see 'lifetime warranties,' which suggest that the manufacturer will support the product for as long as the original owner possesses it, though legally this often has specific limitations. The word carries a weight of permanence and significance, making it a powerful tool for emphasizing the scale of an experience or the durability of a product.

Buying a home is often a lifetime investment for many families, requiring decades of financial planning.

The average lifetime of a domestic cat is significantly longer when they are kept safely indoors.

He felt that traveling to the moon was a lifetime goal that he might never actually reach.

The battery lifetime of this laptop is impressive, lasting through a whole day of work without needing a charge.

Using the word lifetime correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as a countable noun, though it is frequently used in its singular form to represent a singular span of time. It often appears in prepositional phrases such as 'in a lifetime' or 'over a lifetime.' When you want to emphasize that something is very rare, you use it as an adjective modifying a noun, most commonly 'opportunity' or 'experience.'

As a Subject
'A lifetime is a long time to wait for justice.' Here, it acts as the main focus of the sentence.
As an Object
'He spent his whole lifetime studying ancient languages.' It functions as the object of the verb 'spent.'
As a Modifier
'She received a lifetime membership to the gym.' It describes the type of membership.

It would take a lifetime to count all the stars in the galaxy by hand.

In professional writing, especially in engineering and manufacturing, 'lifetime' is used to define the expected operational life of a product. In these contexts, it is often paired with technical adjectives like 'mean lifetime' or 'expected lifetime.' In legal documents, a 'lifetime' may refer to the duration of a contract or a person's life interest in a property. It is important to distinguish between 'lifespan' (usually biological) and 'lifetime' (the period during which something is active or functional), although they are often used interchangeably in casual conversation.

The architect wanted to create a building that would last a lifetime and beyond.

They have been lifetime friends since they met in kindergarten forty years ago.

You will encounter the word lifetime in a variety of everyday situations, ranging from television broadcasts to casual family discussions. One of the most common places is during awards ceremonies, such as the Oscars or the Grammys, where a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' is given to someone who has had a long and successful career. This usage highlights the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication.

Television and Media
News anchors might talk about 'a lifetime of service' when reporting on a retiring politician or a local hero.
Advertising
Companies use 'lifetime guarantees' to convince customers that their products are of the highest quality and will never need replacing.
Technology Reviews
Reviewers often discuss the 'battery lifetime' or the 'expected lifetime' of hardware components like SSDs or phone screens.

The commercial promised a lifetime supply of chocolate to the lucky winner of the contest.

In casual conversation, people use 'lifetime' to add emotional weight to their experiences. Phrases like 'I've waited a lifetime for this' are rarely literal; instead, they express deep longing or the feeling that a long period of time has passed. In the context of sports, a 'lifetime ban' is a serious penalty where an athlete is never allowed to compete in a specific sport again. This shows the absolute and permanent nature of the word. Whether it is used in a technical manual or a romantic movie, 'lifetime' serves to define the boundaries of time as it relates to a specific entity or event.

Even though lifetime is a relatively simple word, learners often make specific errors regarding its spelling, its distinction from similar words, and its usage as an adjective. One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing 'lifetime' with 'lifespan.' While they are similar, 'lifespan' is more scientific and refers to the maximum or average age a species can reach, whereas 'lifetime' is more general and can refer to machines, events, or a specific person's history.

Spelling Error
Mistakenly writing it as two separate words: 'life time.' It should always be written as a single compound word.
Preposition Confusion
Using 'on a lifetime' instead of 'in a lifetime.' Correct: 'This only happens once in a lifetime.'
Pluralization of Adjectives
Saying 'lifetimes achievements' instead of 'lifetime achievements.' When used as an adjective, it remains singular.

Incorrect: He has a lifespan membership at the club. Correct: He has a lifetime membership.

Another common mistake is using 'lifetime' when 'life' would be more appropriate. For example, saying 'I want to change my lifetime' sounds unnatural; you should say 'I want to change my life.' 'Lifetime' refers to the duration or the whole period, while 'life' refers to the state of being alive or the daily experience of living. Additionally, learners sometimes forget the article 'a' in the phrase 'once in a lifetime,' which is essential for the idiom to be grammatically correct.

While lifetime is a versatile word, there are several synonyms and related terms that might be more precise depending on the context. Choosing the right word can help you sound more like a native speaker and convey your meaning more accurately, especially in academic or technical settings.

Lifespan vs. Lifetime
'Lifespan' is typically used for biological organisms or the statistical expectation of life. 'Lifetime' is broader and applies to machines and experiences.
Duration vs. Lifetime
'Duration' refers to any length of time an event lasts. 'Lifetime' implies the total length of existence of an entity.
Existence vs. Lifetime
'Existence' is the state of being real. 'Lifetime' focuses specifically on the temporal measurement of that existence.

The lifespan of a mayfly is remarkably short, often lasting only twenty-four hours.

In formal writing, you might use 'longevity' to describe a long lifetime or 'tenure' to describe the lifetime of a person in a specific job or position. For example, 'The longevity of the dynasty was due to its strong military.' In the world of technology, 'MTBF' (Mean Time Between Failures) is a technical alternative to 'lifetime' for describing the reliability of components. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the register of your conversation or document perfectly.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Jerga

""

Dato curioso

The word has been used in English for over 800 years, appearing in various forms in Middle English literature to describe the duration of human existence.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈlaɪf.taɪm/
US /ˈlaɪf.taɪm/
Primary stress is on the first syllable: LIFE-time.
Rima con
nighttime light-time high time my time bygone pipeline sideline timeline
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing it as two separate words with a pause: 'life... time'.
  • Shortening the 'i' sound to a 'ee' sound, making it sound like 'leaf-team'.
  • Dropping the 'f' sound in the middle.
  • Confusing the stress and putting it on the second syllable.
  • Muttering the ending so it sounds like 'liften'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

The word is easy to recognize and usually appears in clear contexts.

Escritura 2/5

Requires remembering it is one word and using the correct prepositions.

Expresión oral 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward and follows regular English patterns.

Escucha 1/5

Clear syllables make it easy to identify in spoken conversation.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

life time year long live

Aprende después

lifespan longevity duration generation eternal

Avanzado

actuarial obsolescence tenure perpetuity ephemeral

Gramática que debes saber

Compound Nouns

Lifetime is a closed compound noun, meaning it is written as one word without a space or hyphen.

Nouns as Adjectives

In 'lifetime membership,' the noun 'lifetime' acts as an adjective to modify 'membership.'

Prepositional Phrases

We use 'in' for a period of time: 'In a lifetime.' We use 'for' for duration: 'For a lifetime.'

Possessive Nouns

When talking about an object's life: 'The battery's lifetime is five years.'

Articles with Idioms

The idiom 'once in a lifetime' always requires the indefinite article 'a' before 'lifetime.'

Ejemplos por nivel

1

My grandfather lived a long lifetime.

My grandfather had a long life.

Subject + verb + adjective + noun.

2

A lifetime is many years.

A lifetime is a long period.

Using 'is' to define a noun.

3

She has a lifetime of memories.

She has memories from her whole life.

Prepositional phrase 'of memories'.

4

The toy will last a lifetime.

The toy will work for a very long time.

Future tense with 'will last'.

5

It was a once in a lifetime trip.

The trip was very special and rare.

Idiomatic adjective phrase.

6

He spent his lifetime in this village.

He lived in this village since he was born.

Possessive adjective 'his' + noun.

7

A turtle can have a long lifetime.

Turtles live for many years.

Modal verb 'can' + 'have'.

8

I want to see the world in my lifetime.

I want to travel while I am alive.

Prepositional phrase 'in my lifetime'.

1

The battery lifetime is very short.

The battery does not last many years.

Compound subject 'battery lifetime'.

2

This pan has a lifetime guarantee.

The company promises it will never break.

Adjective use of 'lifetime'.

3

He became a lifetime member of the club.

He is a member for the rest of his life.

Adjective modifying 'member'.

4

The average lifetime of a dog is twelve years.

Dogs usually live for twelve years.

Noun phrase 'average lifetime'.

5

You only get one lifetime.

You only live once.

Direct object of 'get'.

6

She won a lifetime achievement award.

She won a prize for all her work.

Compound noun phrase.

7

This is a lifetime opportunity for you.

This is a very rare chance.

Adjective use.

8

The machine's lifetime ended today.

The machine broke and cannot be fixed.

Possessive noun + 'lifetime'.

1

He dedicated his lifetime to helping others.

He spent all his years being helpful.

Verb 'dedicated' + 'lifetime'.

2

The lifetime of a butterfly is very brief.

Butterflies only live for a short time.

Subject of the sentence.

3

The contract offers a lifetime of security.

The contract makes you safe for a long time.

'A lifetime of' + noun.

4

They are lifetime friends who never fight.

They have been friends since they were young.

Adjective modifying 'friends'.

5

The lifetime cost of the car is very high.

The car costs a lot of money over many years.

Compound subject.

6

I have spent a lifetime searching for this.

I have looked for this for many years.

Present perfect tense.

7

The warranty covers the lifetime of the product.

The repair is free as long as the product exists.

Object of the verb 'covers'.

8

A lifetime of hard work led to his success.

Working hard for many years made him successful.

Gerund phrase as subject.

1

The expected lifetime of the bridge is fifty years.

Engineers think the bridge will last 50 years.

Technical noun phrase.

2

She was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment.

She must stay in prison until she dies.

Legal terminology.

3

The lifetime earnings of a doctor are substantial.

Doctors earn a lot of money over their careers.

Economic term 'lifetime earnings'.

4

The stars have a lifetime of billions of years.

Stars exist for a very, very long time.

Scientific context.

5

We need to consider the lifetime impact of this policy.

Think about how this rule affects people for years.

Adjective modifying 'impact'.

6

He received a lifetime ban from professional sports.

He can never play professional sports again.

Formal administrative term.

7

The software license is valid for a lifetime.

You never have to pay for the software again.

Prepositional phrase 'for a lifetime'.

8

A lifetime of habits is difficult to change.

Old habits are very hard to stop.

Abstract noun phrase.

1

The poet explored the fleeting nature of a lifetime.

The poet wrote about how life is short.

Literary context.

2

The radioactive isotope has a very short lifetime.

The isotope decays very quickly.

Scientific/Physics terminology.

3

He was granted a lifetime interest in the estate.

He can use the property until he dies.

Legal/Property law term.

4

The lifetime of a trend is often only a few months.

Fashion trends disappear very quickly.

Sociological context.

5

Their lifetime devotion to each other was inspiring.

They loved each other for their whole lives.

Abstract noun phrase.

6

The study tracked the lifetime health of 500 participants.

The study followed people from birth to death.

Academic research terminology.

7

A lifetime of wisdom cannot be taught in a day.

It takes years to become truly wise.

Philosophical subject.

8

The project represents a lifetime of architectural innovation.

The building shows all his new ideas over the years.

Professional appraisal.

1

The philosopher pondered the finite nature of a lifetime.

He thought about how life must end.

Existential context.

2

The mean lifetime of the particle was precisely measured.

Scientists calculated exactly how long it lasted.

Advanced physics term.

3

She argued that a lifetime of servitude is unjust.

She said being a servant forever is wrong.

Political/Ethical argument.

4

The artist sought to capture a lifetime in a single portrait.

The painting shows everything about the person's life.

Artistic critique.

5

The lifetime of the regime was marked by constant turmoil.

The government's duration was full of problems.

Political history.

6

Economists use lifetime utility to model consumer behavior.

They look at total happiness over a whole life.

Advanced economic theory.

7

The transition from a lifetime of labor to retirement is hard.

Stopping work after many years is difficult.

Sociological observation.

8

The lifetime of the universe is a concept hard to grasp.

It is difficult to understand how long the universe lasts.

Cosmological scale.

Colocaciones comunes

lifetime achievement
once in a lifetime
lifetime warranty
average lifetime
lifetime membership
lifetime earnings
lifetime friend
lifetime ambition
lifetime ban
battery lifetime

Frases Comunes

In a lifetime

— During the whole period of a person's life. It emphasizes the span of time.

You will meet many people in a lifetime, but only a few will stay.

Over a lifetime

— Gradually happening throughout the entire duration of life. Often used for accumulation.

He accumulated a great deal of wealth over a lifetime of saving.

Of a lifetime

— Used to describe something as the best or most important ever experienced. Adds superlative weight.

It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and he didn't want to miss it.

A lifetime ago

— A phrase used to express that something feels like it happened very long ago. Not literal.

I lived in London a lifetime ago, when I was still a student.

Lifetime supply

— An amount of something that will last for as long as a person lives. Used in contests.

The grand prize was a lifetime supply of gourmet coffee.

Lifetime commitment

— A promise or responsibility that lasts for the rest of one's life. Serious and permanent.

Marriage is often seen as a lifetime commitment between two people.

Lifetime goal

— A major objective that a person hopes to achieve before they die. Long-term planning.

Writing a novel was her lifetime goal, which she finally finished at sixty.

Lifetime interest

— A legal right to use something for as long as one is alive. Specific to law.

She was left a lifetime interest in the family home by her late husband.

Lifetime learning

— The ongoing process of acquiring skills and knowledge throughout life. Educational concept.

The university promotes lifetime learning for all its alumni.

Lifetime maximum

— The highest limit of something allowed over a person's whole life. Often used in insurance.

The insurance policy has a lifetime maximum for dental benefits.

Se confunde a menudo con

lifetime vs lifespan

Lifespan is the maximum time a species can live; lifetime is the time a specific person or object actually exists.

lifetime vs life

Life is the state of being alive; lifetime is the duration of that state.

lifetime vs lifestyle

Lifestyle is how you live; lifetime is how long you live.

Modismos y expresiones

"Once in a lifetime"

— An event that is extremely rare and unlikely to happen again. It suggests you should take the chance.

A trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people.

Common/Informal
"Opportunity of a lifetime"

— The best chance one will ever have to do something significant or beneficial. Very persuasive.

Being offered a job at NASA was the opportunity of a lifetime for the young engineer.

Common/Professional
"A lifetime of [something]"

— Used to describe a large amount of an abstract quality gathered over many years.

He brought a lifetime of experience to the new project.

Neutral
"Not in a lifetime"

— A way to say 'never,' emphasizing that something will not happen even if one lives a long time.

I wouldn't jump out of a plane, not in a lifetime!

Informal/Emphatic
"For a lifetime"

— Lasting forever or for the entire duration of life. Used to show permanence.

The lessons I learned from my mentor will stay with me for a lifetime.

Neutral
"Lifetime achievement"

— The total work or success a person has accomplished throughout their whole career.

The director was honored for his lifetime achievement in the film industry.

Formal
"The chance of a lifetime"

— Similar to opportunity of a lifetime; a very rare and lucky moment.

Winning that scholarship was the chance of a lifetime for her.

Neutral
"Lifetime's work"

— The main project or focus that a person has spent their whole life doing.

The encyclopedia was the result of the professor's lifetime's work.

Formal
"A lifetime in the making"

— Something that has taken a very long time to develop or reach its final form.

This victory was a lifetime in the making for the veteran athlete.

Journalistic/Emphatic
"Wait a lifetime"

— To wait for a very long and exhausting period of time. Usually hyperbolic.

I feel like I've been waiting a lifetime for this bus to arrive.

Informal

Fácil de confundir

lifetime vs Lifespan

Both refer to the length of life.

Lifespan is used more in biology and statistics (e.g., 'the lifespan of a cat'). Lifetime is more common for individuals and products.

The average lifespan of a human is 80 years, but his lifetime was 95 years.

lifetime vs Duration

Both mean a period of time.

Duration can be any short or long time (e.g., 'the duration of a movie'). Lifetime refers to the whole existence.

The duration of the flight was ten hours, but it felt like a lifetime.

lifetime vs Tenure

Both describe a period of time in a role.

Tenure is specifically for jobs or political offices. Lifetime is for the whole life.

His tenure as mayor was short, but his lifetime of service was long.

lifetime vs Generation

Both involve groups of people and time.

A generation is a group born at the same time. A lifetime is the time one person lives.

My generation has seen many changes in a single lifetime.

lifetime vs Existence

Both relate to being alive.

Existence is the fact of being. Lifetime is the measurement of how long that being lasts.

The very existence of the artifact was a surprise, given its short lifetime.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

It is a [adjective] lifetime.

It is a long lifetime.

A2

I have a [noun] lifetime.

I have a battery lifetime of two years.

B1

He spent his lifetime [verb-ing].

He spent his lifetime traveling.

B2

The [noun] is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

C1

A lifetime of [abstract noun] is [adjective].

A lifetime of dedication is required.

C2

The [technical noun] lifetime was [adverb] [verb-ed].

The radioactive lifetime was precisely calculated.

B1

She is a lifetime [noun].

She is a lifetime member.

A2

In my lifetime, I want to [verb].

In my lifetime, I want to see Japan.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Commonly used in both spoken and written English, especially in advertising and biographies.

Errores comunes
  • Writing 'life time' as two words. lifetime

    In modern English, 'lifetime' is a single compound word. Splitting it into two words is a spelling error.

  • Saying 'He had a long lifespan' when talking about a specific person's history. He had a long lifetime.

    'Lifespan' is usually for biological limits or averages, while 'lifetime' is for the actual time lived by an individual.

  • Using 'on a lifetime' in the idiom. once in a lifetime

    The correct preposition for this idiom is always 'in.' Using 'on' or 'at' is grammatically incorrect.

  • Making the adjective plural: 'lifetimes memberships'. lifetime memberships

    When a noun acts as an adjective, it almost always stays in the singular form, even if the noun it modifies is plural.

  • Confusing 'lifetime' with 'lifestyle'. His lifetime was full of adventure.

    'Lifestyle' refers to the way a person lives (habits, wealth), whereas 'lifetime' refers to the duration of their life.

Consejos

One Word Rule

Always remember that 'lifetime' is a compound word. Do not put a space between 'life' and 'time.' This is a common spelling mistake even for advanced learners.

Rare Events

Use the phrase 'once in a lifetime' to describe something truly special. It makes your English sound more idiomatic and expressive when talking about rare opportunities.

Technical Usage

When talking about electronics, use 'lifetime' to refer to the total age of the device and 'life' to refer to the daily charge. This shows high-level precision.

Adding Weight

Use 'a lifetime of' before a noun like 'experience' or 'hard work' to emphasize how much effort or time has been put into something. It adds emotional impact.

Syllable Stress

Focus on the first syllable. Saying 'LIFE-time' clearly helps people understand you immediately, especially in noisy environments.

Contracts

Be careful with 'lifetime guarantees.' In legal terms, this sometimes means the 'lifetime' of the product on the market, not your actual life. Read the fine print!

Academic Tone

In essays, use 'lifetime' to create a chronological framework for your analysis of a person's development or a company's history.

Metaphor Alert

When someone says 'it took a lifetime,' they usually mean it took a long time, not literally 80 years. Learn to recognize this common exaggeration.

Opportunity

Combine 'lifetime' with 'opportunity' to talk about career breaks or travel chances. It’s a very common collocation in business English.

Friendship

Calling someone a 'lifetime friend' is a high compliment. It means you expect the friendship to last forever, showing deep loyalty.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Life' and a 'Time' line joined together. The 'Life' is the person, and the 'Time' is the clock. Together, they make a 'Lifetime.'

Asociación visual

Visualize a long, glowing line that starts at a baby's cradle and ends at a peaceful sunset. This whole line represents a lifetime.

Word Web

Birth Death Experience Years Duration Legacy Memory Achievement

Desafío

Try to use 'lifetime' in three different ways today: once about a person, once about an object (like a phone), and once as an adjective (like 'lifetime goal').

Origen de la palabra

The word 'lifetime' is a compound noun formed from the Old English words 'līf' (life) and 'tīma' (time). 'Līf' comes from the Proto-Germanic '*libam', and 'tīma' comes from the Proto-Germanic '*tīmōn'.

Significado original: The combination originally meant the 'period of time during which a person lives.'

Germanic (English)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when discussing 'lifetime' in the context of illness or death, as it can be a sensitive topic for some people.

In English-speaking countries, the phrase 'once in a lifetime' is very common in commercials to create a sense of urgency and excitement.

The 'Lifetime' television network in the US. The 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the Academy Awards (Oscars). The song 'Once in a Lifetime' by the band Talking Heads.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Personal Biography

  • In his lifetime
  • A lifetime of service
  • Lifetime achievements
  • His whole lifetime

Product Marketing

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • Expected lifetime
  • Lifetime supply

Science and Engineering

  • Mean lifetime
  • Carrier lifetime
  • Operational lifetime
  • Battery lifetime

Legal and Finance

  • Lifetime interest
  • Lifetime earnings
  • Lifetime maximum
  • Lifetime ban

Rare Experiences

  • Once in a lifetime
  • Opportunity of a lifetime
  • Chance of a lifetime
  • Trip of a lifetime

Inicios de conversación

"What is one thing you want to achieve in your lifetime?"

"Do you believe a lifetime is long enough to see the whole world?"

"Have you ever had a once-in-a-lifetime experience?"

"What product do you own that you wish had a lifetime warranty?"

"If you could have a lifetime supply of any food, what would it be?"

Temas para diario

Write about a person who has had a lifetime of influence on your decisions and values.

Describe a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity you took, or one you regret missing.

Imagine your life a lifetime from now. How do you think the world will have changed?

What does the phrase 'lifetime achievement' mean to you personally beyond just career success?

Reflect on the lifetime of a favorite childhood toy or object. Why did it matter to you?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is always written as one word: 'lifetime'. Writing it as 'life time' is incorrect in modern English. For example, 'It was the chance of a lifetime.'

Yes, you can. 'Battery lifetime' refers to how many years the battery will work before it needs to be replaced permanently. This is different from 'battery life,' which is how many hours it lasts on one charge.

It is an idiom that describes an event that is so rare it only happens once while you are alive. For example, 'Winning the lottery is a once-in-a-lifetime event.'

It is a prize given to someone to honor all the work they have done during their entire career, rather than for just one specific project. It is common in the arts and sciences.

They are very similar, but 'lifespan' is more scientific and often refers to an average or maximum for a group. 'Lifetime' is more common for individuals or machines. You would say 'the lifespan of a dog' but 'the lifetime of my specific dog.'

Yes, it often functions as an adjective when it comes before another noun, such as 'lifetime membership,' 'lifetime friend,' or 'lifetime guarantee.'

A lifetime ban means a person is never allowed to do something again for as long as they live. This is often used in sports for serious rules violations.

You can say, 'The expected lifetime of this washing machine is ten years.' This means the machine is designed to work for ten years.

Yes, the plural is 'lifetimes.' It is used when talking about the lives of many people or objects, such as 'The history of the world spans many lifetimes.'

There isn't one exact opposite, but words like 'moment,' 'instant,' or 'briefness' represent the idea of a very short time, which is the opposite of a long lifetime.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

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Write a sentence about a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience you want to have.

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Describe a product you own that has a long lifetime.

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What is a lifetime achievement you hope to reach?

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Explain the difference between 'battery life' and 'battery lifetime'.

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Use 'lifetime' as an adjective in a sentence about a club.

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Write a short paragraph about someone who dedicated their lifetime to a cause.

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How would you describe a very rare opportunity using 'lifetime'?

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Write a sentence using 'lifetime earnings'.

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Use 'lifetime' in a sentence about a machine in a factory.

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Write a sentence using the phrase 'a lifetime of memories'.

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Describe a 'lifetime ban' in a sentence.

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What is a 'lifetime goal' of yours?

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Write a sentence using 'lifetimes' (plural).

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Use 'lifetime interest' in a legal context.

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Write a sentence about the 'lifetime of a butterfly'.

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Use the phrase 'in my lifetime' to express a wish.

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Describe a 'lifetime commitment' you have made.

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Write a sentence about the 'lifetime cost' of an item.

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Use 'lifetime' in a sentence about a trend or fashion.

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Write a sentence about a 'lifetime friend'.

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Pronounce the word 'lifetime' clearly.

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Say the phrase 'once in a lifetime' three times.

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Tell me about a lifetime goal you have.

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Explain what a 'lifetime warranty' is in your own words.

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Use 'lifetime' in a sentence about your best friend.

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Discuss the 'lifetime of a smartphone'. How long should it be?

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Say: 'He received a lifetime achievement award for his service.'

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Explain why a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity is important.

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Describe a 'lifetime commitment' someone might make.

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Use 'lifetime earnings' in a sentence about education.

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Say: 'In my lifetime, I have seen many technological changes.'

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What would you do with a 'lifetime supply' of chocolate?

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Discuss the 'lifetime of a star' compared to a human lifetime.

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Explain 'lifetime imprisonment' in a legal context.

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Use 'lifetime' in a sentence about a historical figure.

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Say: 'This is the chance of a lifetime, don't miss it!'

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Talk about the 'lifetime of a plastic bottle'. Why is it a problem?

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Describe a 'lifetime achievement' you admire in someone else.

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Say: 'A lifetime of wisdom is better than a moment of fame.'

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Explain 'lifetime interest' to a friend.

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listening

Listen to the word: /ˈlaɪf.taɪm/. What is it?

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Listen to this sentence: 'It was a once in a lifetime trip.' What kind of trip was it?

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Listen: 'The battery lifetime is failing.' What is failing?

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Listen: 'He dedicated a lifetime to the study.' How long did he study?

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Listen: 'Lifetime memberships are non-refundable.' Can you get your money back?

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Listen: 'The average lifetime of this species is unknown.' What is unknown?

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Listen: 'She won the lifetime achievement award.' What award did she win?

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Listen: 'In my lifetime, I've seen it all.' What does the speaker mean?

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Listen: 'The project's lifetime is nearly over.' Is the project starting or ending?

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Listen: 'A lifetime of service is truly noble.' What is noble?

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Listen: 'Lifetime earnings are projected to rise.' What will rise?

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Listen: 'It was the opportunity of a lifetime.' How rare was the opportunity?

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Listen: 'The radioactive lifetime is very brief.' Is it long or short?

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Listen: 'They are lifetime friends.' How long have they been friends?

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Listen: 'The lifetime of the regime was marked by peace.' Was it peaceful?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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