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existence

B1
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɛɡzˈɪstəns/

US

  • /ɛɡˈzɪstəns/
  • /ɪɡˈzɪstəns/

Description

Existence is the state of being real or being alive. We use it when we talk about whether something or someone is really there. A person has existence, an animal species may be at risk of losing its existence, and a problem can have a real existence in daily life. We also use the word for things we cannot touch but still see as real, such as ideas, feelings, or beliefs.

Think about it this way: a unicorn does not exist in the real world, but the idea of a unicorn does. In daily speech, the word often appears when people talk about life, reality, or the simple fact that something is there at all.

Examples

  1. 1

    Scientific evidence

    Scientists are still looking for proof of the existence of life on other planets.

  2. 2

    Ongoing tradition

    This tradition has been in existence for hundreds of years.

    • Phrase

      in existence

      existing; continuing to be there

  3. 3

    Political founding

    The new republic came into existence after the war ended.

    • Phrase

      come into existence

      begin to exist

  4. 4

    Survival threat

    Small local shops are fighting for their existence.

    • Phrase

      fight for your existence

      try to survive or continue

  5. 5

    Difficult life

    He spent years living a hard, lonely existence.

    • Pattern

      a hard/lonely existence

      a difficult kind of life

  6. 6

    Philosophy

    The film makes you question the existence of free will.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • existencenoun

Forms

  • existencespluralnoun