to be real or present in the world, not imagined or invented
Scientists wonder if tiny organisms could exist beneath the ice of Jupiter's moon Europa.
Dragons only exist in fairy tales.
✦ From Latin existere meaning “to come forth, appear, be.”
present participle of exist: being real, alive, or present
Scientists search for evidence of life existing on other planets.
Records show several ancient customs still existing in rural villages.
✦ from Latin existere “to emerge, to be”, via French exister, becoming English “exist” in the late 16th century; present participle “existing” formed with the ‑ing suffix
to live or survive, especially when life is hard and offers little comfort or enjoyment
After losing his job, he had to exist on instant noodles for weeks.
The refugees existed in overcrowded tents until help arrived.
that is present, in place, or being used right now
We plan to improve the existing software instead of buying a new program.
Under the existing rules, students must wear uniforms.
✦ formed from the verb “exist” + suffix “-ing,” first used as an adjective in the early 17th century
the state or fact of being real, present, or alive
Scientists are still debating the existence of life on other planets.
New fossils finally proved the existence of the ancient bird species.
✦ Late Middle English, from Latin existentia, from existere ‘stand out, be’
a thing that exists; a being or entity
Many people believe that spiritual existences are all around us.
A black hole is a strange existence in the universe.
