existence

noun

ex·​is·​tence ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s 

1

a

: the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence

the existence of other worlds

b

: the manner of being that is common to every mode of being

c

: being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect

2

: actual or present occurrence

existence of a state of war

3

a(1)

: the totality of existent things

(2)

: a particular being

all the fair existences of heaven

—John Keats

b

: sentient or living being : life

c

: reality as presented in experience

d

obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance

Synonyms

• actuality
• corporality
• corporeality
• reality
• subsistence
• thingness

Examples of existence in a Sentence

She began to doubt the existence of God.

the existence of UFO's is something that people continue to argue about

Recent Examples on the Web

While serious coin collectors have long known about the existence of these two rare dimes, their whereabouts had remained a mystery since the late 1970s. —CBS News, 8 Sep. 2024

In turn, to the narrator, Walter is as much of an individual, autonomous in his existence, as anyone else. —Willing Davidson, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2024

Multi-brand Stellantis (including Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, DS, Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Opel, Vauxhall, Maserati), in existence for less than 5 years, is suffering similar problems. —Neil Winton, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024

The result is a gripping horror adventure that reminds us of the unfortunately low number of movies like this in existence. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 7 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French existence, existance, borrowed from Late Latin existentia, exsistentia, noun derivative of existent-, existens/exsistent-, exsistens "having being, existent"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3d

Phrases Containing existence

• come into existence
• go out of existence
• struggle for existence

Kids Definition

existence

noun

ex·​ist·​ence

ig-ˈzis-tən(t)s

1

: the fact or the state of having being or of being real

the largest animal in existence

2

: the state of being alive : life

owed my existence to a doctor's skill