live by
phrasal verb
lived by; living by; lives by
1
: to agree with and follow (something, such as a set of beliefs)
He tried to live by his faith.
a principle I try to live by
2
: to survive by (doing something)
They were an ancient people who lived by hunting and gathering.
Examples of live by in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Based on the information the pawn shop owner gives him, Joe is able to track George down to a strip of desert near the coal mine where he’s been living by himself, with only a horse as a companion.
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Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Wishbone Kitchen’s House Rules Here are the maxims Hayden lives by to make her home feel cozy and personal—while still preserving her peace and her space.
—Jenny Comita, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
The game was broadcast live by local station Granada TV.
—Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Investors should always live by the mantra buy low and sell high.
—Jason Schenker, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for live by
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Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Wishbone Kitchen’s House Rules Here are the maxims Hayden lives by to make her home feel cozy and personal—while still preserving her peace and her space.
—Jenny Comita, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
The game was broadcast live by local station Granada TV.
—Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Investors should always live by the mantra buy low and sell high.
—Jason Schenker, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for live by
Cite this Entry
“Live by.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live%20by. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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