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B1 adjective #23 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

surviving

Top 23

At the A1 level, you might not use the word 'surviving' very often, but you can understand it as a way to describe something that is still here after a problem. Think of it like the word 'living' or 'still here.' If there is a big storm and most of the flowers in a garden die, the flowers that are still alive are the 'surviving' flowers. It is a word that helps you talk about things that did not go away. You can use it for people, like 'surviving family,' or for things, like 'surviving toys' after a messy room cleaning. It is a slightly more serious word than 'remaining,' but it is easy to remember because it comes from the verb 'survive.' When you see this word, just think: 'This thing is still alive or still exists even though it was difficult.' It is a good word to know when you are reading simple stories about history or nature. For example, if you read a story about a shipwreck, the 'surviving' people are the ones who are safe on the beach. You can also use it to talk about your own life in a funny way, like saying 'the surviving cookie' if you ate all the others. Even at this basic level, knowing 'surviving' helps you understand that something special happened—something stayed while others left.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'surviving' to give more detail in your descriptions. It is an adjective that you put before a noun. You might use it when talking about history or family. For example, if you are talking about your great-grandparents, you might say 'my surviving grandmother' if your grandfather has passed away. This is a very common and polite way to speak. You will also see this word in simple news reports. If there is an accident, the news will talk about 'surviving passengers.' This helps you understand who is okay. You can also use it for objects. If you have a very old book from your childhood, you can call it a 'surviving book.' It sounds more interesting than just saying 'an old book.' It suggests that the book was important enough to keep for a long time. When you use 'surviving,' you are showing that you understand the difference between things that last and things that don't. It is a step up from 'living' because it implies that there was some kind of challenge. Practice using it with nouns like 'members,' 'relatives,' 'examples,' and 'parts.' It will make your English sound more natural and descriptive.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'surviving' in a variety of contexts, including legal, historical, and biological. You understand that 'surviving' is not just about being alive, but about being the remainder of a group. In a legal context, you might encounter the phrase 'surviving spouse' or 'surviving heirs.' These are technical terms that you should recognize. In history, you might read about 'surviving documents' from the Roman Empire. Here, the word emphasizes the rarity and value of the items. You should also be able to distinguish between 'surviving' (the adjective) and 'surviving' (the verb). For example, 'He is surviving on bread' (verb) is different from 'He is the surviving witness' (adjective). At this level, you can use the word to add nuance to your writing. Instead of saying 'the people who lived,' you can say 'the surviving residents,' which sounds more professional and precise. You can also use it metaphorically, such as 'the surviving traditions of a village.' This shows that you can think about abstract concepts like culture and time. It is a very useful word for describing anything that has endured through a period of change or a specific event. It carries a sense of weight and importance that simpler words lack.

At the B2 level, you can use 'surviving' with a high degree of precision and style. You understand the subtle emotional and formal connotations it carries. You might use it in an essay to discuss 'surviving architecture' in a modern city, highlighting the contrast between the old and the new. You are also aware of its synonyms like 'extant' or 'remaining' and can choose the best one for the situation. For instance, you know that 'surviving' is better for describing people after a tragedy, while 'extant' is better for academic discussions about ancient texts. You can use 'surviving' to create a specific tone in your writing—one of resilience, loss, or historical significance. In discussions about biology or the environment, you can use it to talk about 'surviving populations' of endangered species, which conveys a sense of urgency and fragility. You are also capable of using it in complex sentence structures, such as 'The only surviving evidence of the crime was a single fingerprint.' At this level, you should also be careful with the word's placement and ensure it doesn't get confused with the present participle in a way that creates ambiguity. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'surviving' to describe not just physical survival, but the survival of ideas, legacies, and social structures.

At the C1 level, your use of 'surviving' is sophisticated and contextually perfect. You recognize the word's role in specialized fields like probate law, where 'surviving' has specific implications for the distribution of assets. You can use the word to explore deep themes in literature or history, such as the 'surviving remnants of a lost civilization' or the 'surviving echoes of a forgotten language.' You understand that 'surviving' often carries a 'partitive' sense—it refers to a part of a whole that has been lost. This allows you to use it to discuss complex social issues, like 'surviving veterans' and the unique psychological challenges they face. You are also adept at using the word in more abstract or philosophical ways, such as discussing 'surviving hope' in the face of adversity. Your writing benefits from the word's ability to provide immediate context and emotional depth. You can also use it to critique sources, noting when 'surviving records' might be biased or incomplete. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to frame an argument or a narrative. You can contrast 'surviving' with 'perished,' 'extinct,' or 'vanished' to create a vivid picture of change over time. Your mastery of the word allows you to use it effortlessly in both high-level academic discourse and nuanced creative writing.

At the C2 level, 'surviving' is a tool you use with absolute mastery to convey precise shades of meaning. You are fully aware of its etymological roots and how its meaning has evolved to cover everything from biological persistence to legal status. You can use it to discuss the 'surviving fragments' of Sappho's poetry, where the word itself evokes the tragedy of what was lost. You are comfortable using it in the most formal of settings, such as a legal brief or a scientific paper, as well as in the most evocative poetry. You understand the 'surviving' vs. 'extant' distinction perfectly, using 'extant' when you want to sound purely objective and 'surviving' when you want to acknowledge the process of endurance. You can also use the word to discuss the 'surviving influence' of a philosopher, showing how their ideas continue to shape the world long after their death. Your use of the word is characterized by its economy and impact; you know exactly when 'surviving' is the most powerful word to use. You can also play with the word's dual nature as both a participle and an adjective to create sophisticated wordplay or double meanings. At this level, 'surviving' is more than just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual category that you use to organize your understanding of history, law, and the human condition. You use it to highlight the rare, the resilient, and the remnants of the past in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

surviving en 30 secondes

Surviving is an adjective used to describe people, animals, or things that remain alive or in existence after others have perished or disappeared due to time or trauma.
It is commonly found in news reports about disasters, historical discussions about ancient artifacts, and legal documents regarding inheritance and family rights after a death.
Grammatically, it usually appears before a noun, such as 'surviving relatives' or 'surviving manuscripts,' emphasizing the rarity and endurance of the subject in question.
While similar to 'remaining,' surviving carries a stronger connotation of having overcome a struggle, danger, or the destructive forces of time and environment.

The adjective surviving is a powerful descriptor used to identify people, animals, or objects that continue to exist after a significant event, a long passage of time, or a period of great danger that caused others of the same kind to perish or disappear. It is fundamentally about endurance and the state of being 'the one that remains.' When we use this word, we are often drawing a silent comparison between the subject and those that did not make it. For example, in a historical context, a 'surviving manuscript' is one that has escaped the fires, dampness, and neglect of centuries, while thousands of others were lost to time. In a biological sense, 'surviving species' are those that have successfully navigated the pressures of evolution and environmental change.

Core Concept: The state of remaining alive or in existence after a disaster, a death, or the passage of a long duration.

The surviving members of the crew were finally rescued after three days at sea.

People use this word most frequently in news reports, historical documentaries, and legal documents. In the legal realm, the term 'surviving spouse' is a standard designation for a husband or wife who is still living after their partner has passed away. This usage is strictly functional and carries specific implications for inheritance and property rights. However, in literature and daily conversation, the word often carries a more emotional or even heroic weight. To be 'surviving' is to be a testament to resilience. Beyond the physical, we can also talk about surviving traditions or surviving languages. These are cultural elements that have persisted despite the pressures of globalization or colonization. When a linguist speaks of a 'surviving dialect,' they are highlighting the rarity and the historical value of that specific way of speaking.

This is the only surviving example of 12th-century pottery in this region.

Biological Usage: Used to describe organisms that have outlasted others in their group or survived a mass extinction event.

The surviving trees in the forest fire were those with the thickest bark.

Historical Usage: Refers to artifacts, buildings, or records that have not been destroyed over time.

Archaeologists were thrilled to find a surviving fragment of the ancient wall.

The surviving witnesses of the event provided conflicting accounts of what happened.

In summary, 'surviving' is an adjective that bridges the past and the present, marking the items or individuals that have successfully crossed the threshold of a destructive event or a long span of time. It is a word of both loss and triumph.

Using the adjective surviving correctly requires an understanding of its attributive nature. In most cases, it is placed directly before the noun it modifies. This placement emphasizes the status of the noun as a remnant or a survivor. For example, 'the surviving children' or 'the surviving copies.' It is rarely used as a predicative adjective (after a verb like 'is' or 'seems') in the same way. You wouldn't usually say 'The children are surviving' to mean they are the ones who remained after a disaster; instead, you would use the verb form or say 'The children are survivors.'

Attributive Use: The word functions as a modifier that provides essential information about the noun's history of endurance.

The surviving records indicate that the town was much larger in the past.

When using 'surviving' in a sentence, it is often helpful to specify what the subject survived from, although this is sometimes implied by the context. If you say 'the surviving soldiers,' the implication is usually a specific battle or a war. If you say 'the surviving architecture,' the implication is the passage of centuries or urban development.

Legal and Formal Contexts: In formal writing, 'surviving' is used to define legal standing, such as 'surviving heirs' or 'surviving partners.'

All surviving family members were invited to the reading of the will.

The surviving evidence was not enough to convict the suspect.

Scientific Contexts: In biology, it describes the 'surviving offspring' or 'surviving cells' after an experiment or environmental shift.

The surviving plants showed a remarkable resistance to the new pesticide.

The museum is home to the only surviving costume from the original play.

In everyday English, you might use it to talk about 'surviving the week' or 'surviving a difficult meeting,' but as an adjective, it remains more formal. You would say 'The surviving members of the team were exhausted,' rather than 'The surviving team was exhausted,' as it usually refers to the individuals within a group.

The word surviving is a staple of journalistic and academic language. If you watch a news report about a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or a flood, you will almost certainly hear the reporter talk about the 'surviving residents' or the 'surviving livestock.' In these contexts, the word is used to provide a clear distinction between those who were lost and those who remain, often serving as a focal point for relief efforts. In the world of academia, particularly in history and archaeology, 'surviving' is used to describe the primary sources that researchers rely on. A historian might discuss the 'surviving letters' of a famous figure, which are the only windows we have into their private thoughts.

News Media: Used to report on the aftermath of accidents, wars, and disasters.

The surviving passengers were treated for minor injuries at the local hospital.

You will also hear this word in legal settings. When a person dies, their 'surviving relatives' are the ones who are legally entitled to their estate. This is a very common phrase in probate law and insurance policies. In a more casual but still significant way, you might hear it in sports or competition shows. For example, in a reality TV show like 'Survivor,' the 'surviving contestants' are those who haven't been voted off yet.

Legal Terminology: Standard term for heirs and spouses in the context of inheritance.

The surviving spouse is entitled to fifty percent of the shared assets.

The surviving texts from the library of Alexandria are extremely rare.

Environmental Science: Refers to species or ecosystems that have endured despite human impact or climate change.

The surviving coral reefs are under constant threat from rising ocean temperatures.

He is the last surviving veteran of the Great War in this city.

In essence, 'surviving' is heard wherever there is a story of endurance, a need for legal precision, or a scientific observation of persistence. It is a word that demands attention because it highlights what has been saved from the brink of disappearance.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with surviving is confusing it with the noun 'survivor.' While they are related, they serve different grammatical functions. You cannot say 'He is a surviving' because 'surviving' is an adjective that needs a noun to modify. Instead, you would say 'He is a survivor' or 'He is the surviving son.' Another common mistake is using 'surviving' when 'remaining' might be more appropriate. While they are synonyms, 'surviving' usually implies a struggle or a threat, whereas 'remaining' is more neutral. For example, 'the remaining cake' is better than 'the surviving cake' unless the cake was in a house fire!

Adjective vs. Noun: Mistake: 'The surviving was happy.' Correct: 'The survivor was happy' or 'The surviving person was happy.'

Incorrect: There were three surviving in the accident. Correct: There were three survivors in the accident.

Another nuance involves the difference between the adjective 'surviving' and the past participle 'survived.' 'Survived' is used to describe the action in the past, while 'surviving' describes the current state. If you say 'the survived members,' it sounds unnatural; 'the surviving members' is the standard way to describe them.

Word Choice: Surviving vs. Remaining: Use 'surviving' for people, animals, and important historical objects. Use 'remaining' for everyday items like food or time.

Incorrect: I have ten surviving minutes. Correct: I have ten remaining minutes.

Correct: The surviving manuscripts are kept in a temperature-controlled room.

Confusion with Continuous Tense: Learners often confuse 'He is surviving' (verb phrase meaning he is managing to live) with 'He is the surviving brother' (adjective phrase identifying which brother).

The surviving trees were the only ones that didn't fall during the storm.

She is the only surviving member of the original board of directors.

Finally, avoid using 'surviving' as a synonym for 'living' in general contexts. You wouldn't say 'The surviving people in the city like coffee.' You only use 'surviving' when there is a specific context of others not being there anymore due to a negative event. It is a word that implies a history of hardship.

When you want to describe something that has lasted through time or difficulty, several other words might fit, depending on the context. The most common alternative is 'remaining,' but as discussed, it is more neutral. Another excellent word, especially in academic or formal contexts, is 'extant.' This word specifically means 'still in existence' and is almost always used for documents, buildings, or species. If you are talking about something that has lasted a long time despite being old-fashioned, you might use 'enduring' or 'persisting.'

Extant: Comparison: 'Extant' is more formal than 'surviving' and is used primarily for objects and records. You wouldn't call a person 'extant.'

There are few surviving (or extant) copies of the first edition.

If you are describing a person who has lived through a tragedy, 'surviving' is the most accurate adjective. However, you could also use 'living' if the context of the tragedy is already established. For example, 'the living relatives' instead of 'the surviving relatives.'

Remaining: Comparison: 'Remaining' is used for quantities. 'The remaining survivors' is a common phrase where both words are used together.

The surviving members of the group decided to continue the journey.

The surviving artifacts are now on display in the national gallery.

Persistent: Comparison: 'Persistent' implies a continuous effort to stay, often used for problems or weather patterns.

The surviving evidence was crucial for the defense team.

Are there any surviving witnesses who can testify?

In summary, while 'surviving' is the most versatile word for things that have made it through a crisis, 'extant' is better for old documents, 'remaining' is better for simple leftovers, and 'enduring' is better for things that show strength over time. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the tragedy of what was lost or the strength of what remains.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The legal term 'survivorship' has been used in English law since the 16th century to describe the right of a joint tenant to the whole estate upon the death of the other. The adjective 'surviving' became a standard way to identify these individuals in legal prose.

Guide de prononciation

UK /səˈvaɪ.vɪŋ/

US /sɚˈvaɪ.vɪŋ/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: sur-VIV-ing.

Rime avec

driving striving thriving arriving contriving reviving diving hiving

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the first syllable like 'sur' in 'surface' instead of a weak 'suh' (UK).
Dropping the 'g' at the end, making it sound like 'survivin'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the 'v' sound with a 'b' sound in some languages.
Making the 'i' sound too short, like in 'sit' instead of 'site'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The word is common in news and history books, making it easy to recognize in context.

Écriture 4/5

Learners must be careful not to use it as a noun or confuse it with the verb form.

Expression orale 3/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, but the formal tone might feel tricky in casual talk.

Écoute 2/5

It is clearly pronounced and usually appears in predictable phrases like 'surviving relatives.'

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

survive live remain dead family

Apprends ensuite

extant resilient legacy endurance remnant

Avancé

probate heir lineage vestige persistence

Grammaire à connaître

Attributive Adjectives

The surviving members (Adjective before the noun).

Present Participles as Adjectives

A surviving species (The -ing form describes a state).

Definite Article with Group Adjectives

The surviving (Referring to the whole group of survivors).

Distinction between Adjective and Verb

He is surviving (Verb) vs. He is the surviving son (Adjective).

Partitive Noun Phrases

The surviving of the group (Less common than 'The surviving members of the group').

Exemples par niveau

The surviving dog was very hungry.

El perro que sobrevivió tenía mucha hambre.

Adjective 'surviving' before the noun 'dog'.

Are there any surviving flowers in the garden?

¿Hay flores que hayan sobrevivido en el jardín?

Interrogative sentence using 'surviving' as an adjective.

The surviving family members are together.

Los miembros de la familia que sobrevivieron están juntos.

Plural noun 'members' modified by 'surviving'.

This is the only surviving toy from my childhood.

Este es el único juguete que sobrevivió de mi infancia.

Use of 'only' with 'surviving' to show rarity.

The surviving bird flew away.

El pájaro que sobrevivió se fue volando.

Simple subject-verb structure.

We found some surviving plants after the fire.

Encontramos algunas plantas que sobrevivieron después del incendio.

Adjective 'surviving' modifying 'plants'.

The surviving cat is now safe.

El gato que sobrevivió ahora está a salvo.

Definite article 'the' used with 'surviving'.

He is the surviving brother.

Él es el hermano que sobrevivió.

Identifying a specific person using the adjective.

The surviving passengers were taken to the hospital.

Los pasajeros supervivientes fueron llevados al hospital.

Passive voice 'were taken' with 'surviving passengers'.

There are no surviving records of that event.

No hay registros supervivientes de ese evento.

Negative existential 'There are no'.

She is the only surviving witness of the accident.

Ella es la única testigo superviviente del accidente.

Noun phrase 'only surviving witness'.

The surviving trees provide shade for the animals.

Los árboles supervivientes dan sombra a los animales.

Present simple 'provide' with 'surviving trees'.

He spoke to the surviving relatives of the artist.

Habló con los familiares supervivientes del artista.

Prepositional phrase 'of the artist'.

The surviving parts of the building are very old.

Las partes supervivientes del edificio son muy antiguas.

Adjective 'surviving' modifying 'parts'.

Are there any surviving documents from the war?

¿Hay algún documento superviviente de la guerra?

Question form with 'any'.

The surviving animals were moved to a zoo.

Los animales supervivientes fueron trasladados a un zoológico.

Passive voice 'were moved'.

The surviving spouse inherited the family home.

El cónyuge supérstite heredó la casa familiar.

Legal term 'surviving spouse'.

Archaeologists found surviving fragments of Roman pottery.

Los arqueólogos encontraron fragmentos supervivientes de cerámica romana.

Noun phrase 'surviving fragments'.

The surviving population of tigers is very small.

La población superviviente de tigres es muy pequeña.

Collective noun 'population' modified by 'surviving'.

He is one of the few surviving veterans of the battle.

Él es uno de los pocos veteranos supervivientes de la batalla.

Phrase 'one of the few'.

The surviving evidence suggests a different story.

La evidencia superviviente sugiere una historia diferente.

Abstract noun 'evidence' modified by 'surviving'.

They are the only surviving examples of this architecture.

Son los únicos ejemplos supervivientes de esta arquitectura.

Plural 'examples'.

The surviving crew members were hailed as heroes.

Los miembros de la tripulación supervivientes fueron aclamados como héroes.

Compound noun 'crew members'.

Is there any surviving tradition in this village?

¿Hay alguna tradición superviviente en este pueblo?

Abstract noun 'tradition'.

The surviving manuscripts provide a glimpse into medieval life.

Los manuscritos supervivientes ofrecen una visión de la vida medieval.

Formal verb 'provide'.

The surviving members of the expedition faced extreme cold.

Los miembros supervivientes de la expedición se enfrentaron a un frío extremo.

Past tense 'faced'.

This is the only surviving copy of the 1920 film.

Esta es la única copia superviviente de la película de 1920.

Emphasis on 'only'.

The surviving cells were analyzed in the laboratory.

Las células supervivientes fueron analizadas en el laboratorio.

Scientific context.

The surviving witnesses were reluctant to testify.

Los testigos supervivientes se mostraron reacios a testificar.

Adjective 'reluctant' following the subject.

The surviving architecture of the city is a mix of styles.

La arquitectura superviviente de la ciudad es una mezcla de estilos.

Abstract noun 'architecture'.

The surviving offspring are more likely to be resistant.

La descendencia superviviente tiene más probabilidades de ser resistente.

Biological term 'offspring'.

The surviving letters of the poet were published recently.

Las cartas supervivientes del poeta fueron publicadas recientemente.

Passive voice 'were published'.

The surviving remnants of the wall are now a tourist attraction.

Los restos supervivientes de la muralla son ahora una atracción turística.

Noun 'remnants' modified by 'surviving'.

He is the last surviving link to that era of jazz.

Él es el último vínculo superviviente con esa era del jazz.

Metaphorical use of 'link'.

The surviving records are fragmentary and difficult to interpret.

Los registros supervivientes son fragmentarios y difíciles de interpretar.

Adjective 'fragmentary'.

The surviving spouse's rights are protected by law.

Los derechos del cónyuge supérstite están protegidos por la ley.

Possessive 'spouse's'.

The surviving population of the island has adapted to the isolation.

La población superviviente de la isla se ha adaptado al aislamiento.

Present perfect 'has adapted'.

These are the only surviving examples of her early work.

Estos son los únicos ejemplos supervivientes de su obra temprana.

Emphasis on 'early work'.

The surviving witnesses' accounts vary significantly.

Los relatos de los testigos supervivientes varían significativamente.

Possessive plural 'witnesses''.

The surviving architecture serves as a reminder of the past.

La arquitectura superviviente sirve como recordatorio del pasado.

Phrase 'serves as a reminder'.

The surviving fragments of the fresco reveal a vibrant palette.

Los fragmentos supervivientes del fresco revelan una paleta vibrante.

Art history context.

The surviving members of the elite were forced into exile.

Los miembros supervivientes de la élite fueron obligados al exilio.

Political context.

The surviving records of the trial are curiously incomplete.

Los registros supervivientes del juicio son curiosamente incompletos.

Adverb 'curiously' modifying 'incomplete'.

The surviving spouse may elect to receive a life estate.

El cónyuge supérstite puede optar por recibir un usufructo vitalicio.

Legal jargon 'life estate'.

The surviving dialect is a linguistic treasure trove.

El dialecto superviviente es un tesoro lingüístico.

Metaphor 'treasure trove'.

The surviving architecture is a testament to the builder's skill.

La arquitectura superviviente es un testimonio de la habilidad del constructor.

Phrase 'testament to'.

The surviving witnesses were cross-examined by the defense.

Los testigos supervivientes fueron contrainterrogados por la defensa.

Legal term 'cross-examined'.

The surviving population faced a harsh winter of scarcity.

La población superviviente se enfrentó a un duro invierno de escasez.

Noun 'scarcity'.

Collocations courantes

surviving spouse

surviving members

surviving relatives

surviving fragments

surviving witness

surviving population

surviving architecture

surviving offspring

surviving records

last surviving

Phrases Courantes

surviving the odds

surviving and thriving

the surviving few

surviving on a shoestring

surviving the test of time

surviving a crisis

surviving the winter

surviving a breakup

surviving the cut

surviving the night

Souvent confondu avec

surviving vs survivor

'Survivor' is a noun (a person), while 'surviving' is an adjective (describing a person or thing).

surviving vs survived

'Survived' is the past tense verb, while 'surviving' is the adjective describing the current state.

surviving vs survival

'Survival' is the noun referring to the act of staying alive, not a descriptor for a person.

Expressions idiomatiques

"survival of the fittest"

The idea that only the strongest or best-adapted individuals will survive. It is a core concept in evolution.

In the corporate world, it's often a case of survival of the fittest.

academic/general

"survive by the skin of one's teeth"

To only just manage to survive or succeed. It implies a very narrow escape.

He survived the accident by the skin of his teeth.

informal

"surviving on borrowed time"

Continuing to live or exist after one was expected to die or fail. It suggests a temporary state.

The old bridge is surviving on borrowed time and needs urgent repairs.

neutral

"a survivor's instinct"

The natural ability to stay alive or succeed in difficult situations. It is an innate quality.

Her survivor's instinct kicked in when she lost her job.

neutral

"to survive the storm"

To get through a difficult period of time without being destroyed. It is metaphorical.

The marriage managed to survive the storm of their early years.

literary

"surviving the wreckage"

Finding a way to continue after a complete disaster or failure. It focuses on the aftermath.

They are slowly surviving the wreckage of their failed business.

literary

"the only one left standing"

Being the sole survivor or the only one to remain successful. It implies a competition.

After the layoffs, he was the only one left standing in his department.

informal

"surviving the fire"

Coming out of a very intense or testing experience stronger than before. It is metaphorical.

Their friendship was forged in surviving the fire of shared hardship.

literary

"to live to tell the tale"

To survive a dangerous experience so that you can talk about it later. It is often used for adventures.

It was a scary flight, but we lived to tell the tale.

informal

"surviving the long haul"

Enduring a very long and difficult process or journey. It emphasizes patience.

The project is about surviving the long haul, not just the first month.

neutral

Facile à confondre

surviving vs remaining

Both mean 'left over.'

'Surviving' implies a struggle or threat, while 'remaining' is neutral and can be used for anything, like food or time.

The remaining cake vs. the surviving passengers.

surviving vs extant

Both mean 'still existing.'

'Extant' is much more formal and is only used for objects, documents, or species, never for people.

Extant manuscripts vs. surviving relatives.

surviving vs living

Both describe being alive.

'Living' is a general state, while 'surviving' implies that others have died or that there was a danger.

All living things vs. the surviving family.

surviving vs enduring

Both mean 'lasting.'

'Enduring' suggests strength and a positive quality of lasting, while 'surviving' can be about luck or just not dying.

An enduring friendship vs. a surviving witness.

surviving vs persisting

Both mean 'continuing.'

'Persisting' often refers to problems, smells, or habits that won't go away.

A persisting cough vs. a surviving species.

Structures de phrases

The surviving [noun] is [adjective].

The surviving dog is happy.

There are [number] surviving [noun].

There are three surviving trees.

The surviving [noun] of the [event]...

The surviving members of the team were tired.

This is the only surviving [noun] from...

This is the only surviving letter from the war.

The surviving [noun] reveal that...

The surviving records reveal that the city was wealthy.

The surviving [noun] serve as a testament to...

The surviving architecture serves as a testament to their skill.

He is the last surviving [noun].

He is the last surviving witness.

The surviving [noun] were [verb-ed].

The surviving passengers were rescued.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in news, law, history, and biology. Less common in casual daily gossip.

Erreurs courantes

He is a surviving. → He is a survivor.
'Surviving' is an adjective and needs a noun. 'Survivor' is the noun form for a person.
The survived members of the group. → The surviving members of the group.
Use the present participle '-ing' as an adjective to describe the current state of having survived.
I have three surviving dollars. → I have three dollars left.
'Surviving' is too dramatic for money. Use 'left' or 'remaining' for everyday quantities.
The surviving of the crash were taken to hospital. → The survivors of the crash were taken to hospital.
You cannot use 'the surviving' as a noun in this context. Use 'survivors' instead.
She is the survive spouse. → She is the surviving spouse.
You must use the adjective form 'surviving' to modify the noun 'spouse.'

Astuces

Use with People

When talking about family after a death, 'surviving' is the most appropriate and respectful adjective to use in formal writing.

Placement

Always place 'surviving' before the noun. Say 'the surviving members,' not 'the members surviving' (unless it's a reduced relative clause).

History Context

In history essays, use 'surviving' to describe artifacts to show that you understand many others were lost over time.

Avoid Overuse

If you use 'surviving' once, try 'remaining' or 'extant' later in the text to keep your writing interesting and varied.

Legal Precision

In legal documents, 'surviving' is a technical term. Do not replace it with 'living' or 'remaining' as it might change the legal meaning.

Stress the 'VIV'

Make sure to emphasize the middle part of the word. This is the most important part for being understood by native speakers.

Species Survival

Use 'surviving population' when discussing conservation to highlight the small number of animals left in the wild.

Create Contrast

Use 'surviving' to create a contrast between what is gone and what remains. It makes your descriptions more vivid and emotional.

News Keywords

When listening to news about accidents, 'surviving' is a keyword that tells you the number of people who are safe.

Universal Theme

Remember that 'surviving' is a word about endurance. Use it whenever you want to talk about something that didn't give up.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'SUR' as 'SUPER' and 'VIVING' as 'LIVING.' A surviving person is a 'SUPER-LIVING' person because they lived beyond a big problem.

Association visuelle

Imagine a single green leaf on a burnt tree. That leaf is the surviving part of the tree. The contrast between the green and the black helps you remember the meaning.

Word Web

Relatives Spouse Witness Manuscript Species Fragment Architecture Veteran

Défi

Try to use 'surviving' in three different sentences today: one about a family member, one about a historical object, and one about a plant or animal.

Origine du mot

The word 'surviving' comes from the verb 'survive,' which entered Middle English from the Old French word 'survivre.' This French word was derived from the Latin 'supervivere.' The Latin root is composed of 'super' (meaning 'over' or 'beyond') and 'vivere' (meaning 'to live'). Thus, the literal etymological meaning is 'to live beyond' or 'to outlive.'

Sens originel : The original meaning was strictly about living longer than someone else, particularly a relative.

Indo-European (Latinate/Romance origin via French).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'surviving' in personal conversations about death; it is formal. In casual speech, people often say 'his family' or 'those he left behind.'

It is standard in obituaries to list 'surviving' relatives to show who the deceased has left behind.

The TV show 'Survivor' (though it uses the noun, the concept is the same). The 'Surviving Spouse' benefit in US Social Security. The 'Last Surviving' series of documentaries about WWI veterans.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Legal/Inheritance

surviving spouse
surviving heirs
rights of the surviving
surviving partner

History/Archaeology

surviving manuscripts
surviving architecture
surviving fragments
surviving records

Disasters/News

surviving passengers
surviving residents
surviving witnesses
surviving crew

Biology/Nature

surviving species
surviving offspring
surviving population
surviving cells

Personal/Family

surviving relatives
surviving children
last surviving member
only surviving child

Amorces de conversation

"Do you have any surviving family traditions that have been passed down for generations?"

"What is the oldest surviving building in your hometown, and what is its history?"

"If you were the only surviving person on a desert island, what three things would you want with you?"

"Are there any surviving books from your childhood that you still keep on your shelf?"

"In your opinion, what is the most important surviving invention from the last century?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a surviving object in your home that has a special story behind it. Why did it last so long?

Reflect on a surviving memory from your early childhood. Why do you think this specific memory stayed with you?

Imagine you are a historian in the year 3000. What surviving items from today would you find most interesting?

Describe a time you felt like you were just surviving a difficult week. What helped you get through it?

Write a letter to a surviving veteran of a historical event, asking them about their experiences and lessons learned.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In very formal or literary contexts, you can use 'the surviving' to mean 'the people who survived,' but it is much more common and clearer to include a noun, such as 'the surviving members' or 'the surviving relatives.' In everyday English, always use a noun.

No, 'surviving' can be used for anything that continues to exist after others have been destroyed or lost. This includes animals, plants, buildings, documents, traditions, and even ideas. For example, 'surviving manuscripts' is a very common phrase in history.

A 'surviving spouse' is a legal term for a person whose husband or wife has died. It is used in laws about inheritance, insurance, and social security to define who has the right to receive money or property after a death.

The main difference is grammar. 'Survivor' is a noun (He is a survivor), and 'surviving' is an adjective (He is the surviving son). You use 'survivor' to name the person and 'surviving' to describe the person's relationship to the event or family.

It is unusual to use 'surviving' for food unless the food was in a disaster. For example, 'the surviving sandwiches after the flood' is okay. But for normal leftovers, you should use 'remaining' or 'leftover,' like 'the remaining pizza.'

It is often neutral but carries a serious tone. It can be positive because it shows resilience (the surviving trees), but it can also be sad because it reminds us of what was lost (the surviving family). The context determines the emotion.

No, that is incorrect. You should say 'the people who survived' or 'the surviving people.' 'Survived' is a verb, and it doesn't work well as an adjective in that position. 'Surviving' is the correct adjective form.

It means that out of a group of people or things, only one is left. For example, 'the last surviving veteran of the war' means all the other veterans have passed away. It is a very strong and often historic phrase.

Yes, it is used to describe companies that stay in business during a bad economy. You might hear about 'surviving firms' or 'surviving brands' after a market crash. It suggests that these companies were strong enough to endure the crisis.

Yes, metaphorically. You can talk about 'surviving hope' or 'surviving love,' meaning that these feelings are still there even after a very difficult time or a big argument. It adds a poetic touch to your description.