As a Noun: 1. Animals or humans who are still alive, as opposed to those who are now dead, e.g., after an illness, an accident or a disaster. English = the living, survivors. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. Of something that is animate, to be living and not dead when you think it might have died (illness, accident, disaster). English = (be) alive, (be) living, survive. 2. Of something that is animate, to be living and not dead when you thought it was not a living thing at all, like an insect that looks like a twig. English = (be) alive, (be) living.