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

Benchmark analyst Mark Palmer said that some critics of Strategy have cited the company’s annual outlays of $779 million to cover dividend and interest payments as a significant threat to the company’s existence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Later historians described this engraving and, despite having never seen the painting, catalogued its existence.

From Barron's

Widely seen as Pakistan's most powerful institution, the military has governed the country for nearly half its existence via a series of coups since independence in 1947.

From Barron's

The series, now in its second season on Fox Nation, is the filmmaker’s effort to find relevance for everyday existence in human stories of sacrifice, heroism and faith that led to spiritual transcendence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Raanan, a collector of Jewish artefacts, said he fell in love with the book before even seeing it, when an antiques dealer told him about its existence.

From Barron's

Related Words

• continuation
• presence
• reality
• survival
• world