alive, a live

Alive or alive means living, as opposed to dead or inanimate, literally or figuratively--
It's alive!!
Is it alive or dead?
She struggled to keep hope alive through the long wait.

A live or a live ( two words, rhymes with alive ) describes one ( a ) living creature or thing, such as an electrical wire, broadcast--
They tape this show before a live audience.
He hoped to find a live specimen of the rare bird.
Be careful, in case it's a live wire.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"This is a live broadcast; they're trying to see if anyone is still alive in the wreckage."

Note--"live" may be an adjective ( describes something ), pronounced to rhyme with "drive"--
There's a real, live, rock star!
They are using live ammunition; don't go near it.
"Live", spelled the same, is a verb ( action word ), pronounced to rhyme with "give"--
I live; you live; he lives; we are all living.
Yesterday we lived; tomorrow we will live.
Note # 2--"living" may also be an adjective, describing something that is alive--
Be careful, it's a living thing.
"Living" is also used as a noun ( thing or idea ), meaning "livelihood", or how one earns money--
What do you do for a living?

lived, livid

Lived or lived is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "live", meaning to exist, to dwell, or to survive--
He lived in the United States in the  19th century.
They lived on the other side of town before they moved here.
He lived through the war, and came home to start a business.

Livid or livid means pale or blue, as from bruising or lack of breath, caused by disease, injury, or strong emotion--
He was livid, and his breathing was shallow, but the doctor thinks he'll survive.
He was livid with rage, but he didn't say a word.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He was livid and seemed to be choking, but he lived and recovered his health."