existence

American  

[ig-zis-tuhns] / ɪgˈzɪs təns /

noun

1. the state or fact of existing; being.

2. continuance in being or life; life.

   a struggle for existence.

3. mode of existing.

   They were working for a better existence.

4. all that exists.

   Existence shows a universal order.

5. something that exists; entity; being.

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existence British  

/ ɪɡˈzɪstəns /

noun

1. the fact or state of existing; being

2. the continuance or maintenance of life; living, esp in adverse circumstances

   a struggle for existence

   she has a wretched existence

3. something that exists; a being or entity

4. everything that exists, esp that is living

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Other Word Forms

• postexistence noun

Etymology

Origin of existence

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word ex(s)istentia. See exist, -ence

Example Sentences

“Our very existence is political no matter what. Our joy is a problem for a lot of people,” said Reyes.

From Los Angeles Times

The first moon trip in decades raises the big questions of existence.

From The Wall Street Journal

As I said, Fireball was always fierce, but our community had made their own choices, and now that its existence was announced online, it was also out of our hands.

From Literature

And yet it had become such a normal part of his existence, he’d long ago forgotten to feel any shame in it.

From Literature

Of course, Woodland has never led the harshly spot-lit life of Woods, but his openness regarding his struggles is an interesting counterpoint to Tiger's ultra-private existence.

From BBC

Related Words

• continuation
• presence
• reality
• survival
• world