exist

[ ig-zist ]

verb (used without object)

1. to have actual being; be:

   The world exists, whether you like it or not.

2. to have life or animation; live.
3. to continue to be or live:

   Belief in magic still exists.

   Synonyms: remain, stay, endure, last, persist, survive, abide

4. to have being in a specified place or under certain conditions; be found; occur:

   Hunger exists in many parts of the world.

5. to achieve the basic needs of existence, as food and shelter:

   He's not living, he's merely existing.

exist

/ ɪɡˈzɪst /

verb

1. to have being or reality; to be
2. to eke out a living; stay alive; survive

   I can barely exist on this wage

3. to be living; live
4. to be present under specified conditions or in a specified place

   sharks exist in the Pacific

5. philosophy
   1. to be actual rather than merely possible
   2. to be a member of the domain of some theory, an element of some possible world, etc
   3. to have contingent being while free, responsible, and aware of one's situation

Derived Forms

• exˈisting, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·ist·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exist¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin ex(s)istere “to exist, appear, emerge,” equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + sistere “to stand”

Word History and Origins

Origin of exist¹

C17: from Latin exsistere to step forth, from ex- ¹+ sistere to stand

Example Sentences

The researchers built on an existing type of algorithm called group method of data handling.

From Science Daily

"Over and again, we see that evolution operates by repurposing existing structures and functions, often in surprising and unpredictable ways."

From Science Daily

The expected failure of the bill would mean an existing visa policy, which has been widely accused of exacerbating problems by funnelling most international students to a select few city-based universities, will remain in place.

From BBC

According to the bill, the ban will apply to all children under 16 and that there will be no exemptions for existing users or those with parental consent.

From BBC

“The president can use existing laws to give them incentives for early retirement and to make voluntary severance payments to facilitate a graceful exit,” they wrote.

From New York Times

Related Words

• continue
• endure
• happen
• lie
• live
• occur
• prevail
• remain
• stand
• stay
• survive