The Spanish adjective 'vivo', meaning 'alive' or 'living', comes from the Latin adjective 'vivus' which had the same meaning. This Latin word was related to the verb 'vivere' meaning 'to live'. The transition from Latin to Spanish maintained both the form and meaning quite closely, with just a minor change from 'vivus' to 'vivo'.

Several common Spanish words share this root, including 'vivir' (to live), 'vida' (life), 'viviente' (living), and 'vivienda' (dwelling/house). All these words maintain the basic concept of life and living that comes from the Latin root.

English has many cognate words that share the same Latin origin, including 'vivid' (full of life, bright), 'vivacious' (lively, animated), 'survive' (to remain alive), and 'revive' (to bring back to life). The word 'vital' (essential to life) also comes from this same Latin root. Even the word 'vitamin' was created in the 20th century using this Latin root, as vitamins are essential for life.