1610s, alteration of livelode "means of keeping alive" (c. 1300), from Old English lifad "course of life," from lif "life" + lad "way, course" (see load). Similar formation in Old High German libleita. Spelling assimilated to words in -hood. Earlier livelihood was a different word, meaning "liveliness," from lively.
双语例句
1. Predatory pricing by large supermarkets was threatening the livelihood of smaller businesses.
大型超市的掠夺性价格正威胁着小商店的生计。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Communities on the island depended on whaling for their livelihood.
岛上的居民靠捕鲸为生。
来自《权威词典》
3. Appropriate arrangements will be made for their work and livelihood.
他们的工作和生活会得到妥善安排.
来自《简明英汉词典》
4. My father gained a bare livelihood of family by his own hands.
父亲靠自己的双手勉强维持家计.
来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
5. It affords a livelihood to a great number of people.
