"livelihood" vs "living"
Hi there,
Could someone please tell me if there is any difference between the following sentences?

1. Farming is the main source of livelihood for people in that country.
1*. Farming is the main source of LIVING for people in that country.

2. It may threaten the livelihood of pensioners.
2*.It may threaten the LIVING of pensioners.

I would like to know if these two words are preferred in different contexts.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nanako

Question

"livelihood" vs "living"
Hi there,
Could someone please tell me if there is any difference between the following sentences?

1. Farming is the main source of livelihood for people in that country.
1*. Farming is the main source of LIVING for people in that country.

2. It may threaten the livelihood of pensioners.
2*.It may threaten the LIVING of pensioners.

I would like to know if these two words are preferred in different contexts.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nanako

Answer

'Livelihood' is the better word in both those cases. It suggests the basic means to feed, clothe and house yourself and your family. We wouldn't use 'living' in those sentences.

We tend to use 'living' in the set phrases 'make a living' or 'do [something] for a living'. In the second case, especially, it refers to the activity which is your source of income ( as opposed to a hobby).  For example, "I love painting, wouldn't like to have to do it for a living".