Definition

Verb: 1. To cohabit; to share a home and domestic life as a couple without being legally married. This is the primary meaning, describing a domestic partnership where two people, typically in a romantic relationship, reside together. 2. To reside in the same place, coexisting. This broader meaning can apply to any individuals (e.g., roommates, family members) sharing a living space, though it is most commonly associated with unmarried couples.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • They decided to live together before getting married.
  • The couple has been living together for five years.
  • For financial reasons, the three friends live together in a large apartment.

Advanced Usage

• "to live together in sin": An archaic or humorous idiom referring to cohabitation by an unmarried couple, often implying moral disapproval.
  • My grandmother used to say they were living together in sin.

Variants and Related Words

• Cohabit (verb): A more formal synonym for "live together" in the context of an unmarried couple.
  • The law recognizes the rights of couples who cohabit for a long period.
• Cohabitation (noun): The state or period of living together.
  • Their cohabitation was a trial period for their relationship.

Synonyms

• Cohabit: Share a home as an unmarried couple.
• Share a home/house: A more neutral phrase for residing together.
• Room together: Typically used for platonic housemates.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Live with: To tolerate or accept an unpleasant situation. (Note: This is a distinct phrasal verb with a different meaning).
  • It's a noisy neighborhood, but we've learned to live with it.

Related Idioms

• Shack up (with someone): A very informal, sometimes derogatory idiom meaning to start living with a romantic partner.
  • He shacked up with his girlfriend last month.

Verb

1. share living quarters; usually said of people who are not married and live together as a couple