noun

1. The state of organisms preceding their death, characterized by biological processes such as metabolism and reproduction and distinguishing them from inanimate objects; the state of being alive and living.

   “Having experienced both, the vampire decided that he preferred (un)death to life.  He gave up on life.”

2. The animating principle or force that keeps an inorganic thing or concept metaphorically alive (dynamic, relevant, etc) and makes it a "living document", "living constitution", etc.

3. Lifeforms, generally or collectively.

   “It's life, but not as we know it.   She discovered plant life on the planet.   The rover discovered signs of life on the alien world.”

Synonyms: existence, experience, time