Words / B1

LYFT-ym/ˈlaɪftaɪm/

A lifetime is the period someone is alive: a lifetime of service; once in a lifetime; last a lifetime. Life is shorter and more general (already in the dictionary). Lifelong is the adjective. Orthopaedic news: a hip replacement can last a lifetime.

Meaning

The period of time that someone is alive; a lifetime of means lasting that long.

Examples

• “A hip replacement can last a lifetime with physiotherapy.”
• “A once-in-a-lifetime trip is not an exam excuse without evidence.”

Good to know

a lifetime; last a lifetime; once in a lifetime. Adjective: lifelong. General: life. NHS / idioms. Hyphens in once-in-a-lifetime before a noun.

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