The state or realm of human existence on earth; = this present life at life, n. 12c.

this life (similarly the (also this) present life) (in biblical use or allusion) the earthly state of human existence, life on earth. Contrasted with…

life in the world, earthly life; (also) a manifestation of this.

The course or duration of a person's life; a person's lifetime.

figurative, esp. the ‘pilgrimage’ or passage through life.

figurative. Originally in religious contexts: the course of life, esp. mortal life as a spiritual journey leading to heaven, a future state of…

= ‘vale of tears’ (vale, n.1 2b).

The world regarded as the scene of life. With various qualifications, as earthly, mortal, etc., or const. of (life, etc.).

Originally and chiefly Theology. The course of a person's life viewed originally as a temporary sojourn on earth (cf. sense 4b) and hence as a…

The world; human life or existence. Chiefly in the (also this) scene of things. Obsolete. Cf. to quit the scene at phrases 5a.

In plural. Applied to the condition of the present life in contrast to that of heaven.

(a) terrestrial as opposed to spiritual existence; (b) life on the planet earth.