The compound adjective 'still-living' is a transparent combination of two native English elements. 'Still' originates from the Old English stille, which conveyed a sense of calm, cessation of motion, or fixedness in place or time. Over centuries, its temporal sense of 'continuing without change' became dominant in adverbial uses. 'Living' derives from the Old English verb lifian, meaning 'to be alive,' with its present participle form used adjectivally. The logic of the compound is straightforward and literal: it describes a state of continuing ('still') to be in the condition of being alive ('living'), directly contrasting with what is deceased or extinct. It is often used for emphasis or precision, particularly in contexts discussing longevity, survival, or historical continuity.

Structure: still (continuing) + living (alive) - still: From Old English stille (motionless, at rest, quiet). In this compound, it functions as an adverb meaning 'continuing to be' or 'even now'. - living: From Old English lifende, present participle of lifian (to live). It functions as an adjective meaning 'alive' or 'having life'.