Word: Exist

Pronunciation

/ɪɡˈzɪst/

Definitions

• Verb: (1) To have real being; to have existence. It refers to something that has presence or reality rather than being merely imaginary or potential. Example: “The concept of time has existed since the beginning of human thought.”
  • Phrasal usage: “come into existence” - meaning to begin to exist or be formed. Example: “The universe came into existence billions of years ago.”
  • “continue to exist” - to remain present or alive despite challenges or changes. Example: “Despite the economic downturn, the small business managed to continue to exist.”
• (2) To live or have one’s being in a specified place or under certain conditions. Example: “They exist on a diet of rice and vegetables.”

Phrases

• “Existence precedes essence” - a philosophical statement suggesting that a being first exists, then defines its nature through its experiences and actions.
• “To question one’s own existence” - to ponder about the purpose or meaning of one’s life.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “Does life exist beyond our planet Earth?”
• “His theories still exist in academic circles.”
• “After the fire, only the charred remains of the old house exist now.”

Synonyms

• Be
• Live
• Survive
• Persist
• Occupy
• Have being
• subsist
• Inhabit
• Abide