WordGarden.ioexistence
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛɡzˈɪstəns/
US
- /ɛɡˈzɪstəns/
Meanings
Noun
the fact or state of being real, alive, or present
a person's way or condition of living
Beyond the definition
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.
Existence is the state or fact of being real, being present, or being alive. It is a broad word, and people use it in everyday talk as well as in science, religion, and philosophy. At its simplest, it answers a basic question: is this thing real, and is it there?
The word often appears when we talk about living things. We may speak about human existence, the existence of life on another planet, or the existence of a rare animal in a small area. It can also describe non-living things. People talk about the existence of a law, a document, a serious problem, or strong evidence. In these cases, the word points to the fact that something is real and not just imagined.
Existence is also used for abstract things. Love, hope, danger, and beauty do not exist in the same way a tree or a house does, but many people still speak of their existence. In the same way, a fictional creature does not have real-world existence, while the idea of that creature does. This helps show that the word can be used for both concrete and abstract kinds of reality.
In a more reflective tone, people use the word when thinking about life itself. Someone may question their existence during a difficult moment, or feel grateful for the simple existence of family, nature, and time together. In serious situations, the word can suggest survival, as when a community fights for its continued existence.
Overall, existence is a word for the fact that someone or something is real, alive, present, or truly there. It can be used in plain daily language or in deeper discussions about life and reality, which is why it remains such a useful and powerful word.
Examples
- 1
Scientific evidence
Scientists are still looking for proof of the existence of life on other planets.
- 2
Ongoing tradition
This tradition has been in existence for hundreds of years.
- Phrasein existence
existing; continuing to be there
- 3
Political founding
The new republic came into existence after the war ended.
- Phrasecome into existence
begin to exist
- 4
Survival threat
Small local shops are fighting for their existence.
- Phrasefight for your existence
try to survive or continue
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Difficult life
He spent years living a hard, lonely existence.
- Patterna hard/lonely existence
a difficult kind of life
- 6
Philosophy
The film makes you question the existence of free will.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- existencenoun
Forms
- existencespluralnoun