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

What conflicts do exist between them derive from misunderstanding and accident.

From The Daily Beast

But in a television landscape still so afraid of showing kids that LGBT people exist, it still feels like a missed opportunity.

From The Daily Beast

While it does service the community, it also gives them a place to call home and exist without any stigmas from the outside world.

From The Daily Beast

Both projects only exist because internet.org enables users to access info via the Internet for free.

From The Daily Beast

They have pushed into just about every other corner of the Caribbean and Central America where airports exist.

From The Daily Beast

When I can cease to remember that the sun shines, that I exist—then, perhaps, I may forget you; but not till then.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us imitate the example of the Great Powers; they cannot exist alone, however strong and great they may be.

From Project Gutenberg

Since “extremes” are words with no relation between them, Analysis cannot find what does not exist.

From Project Gutenberg

The fleet cannot see itself wiped out by degrees; and yet, without the fleet, how are we soldiers to exist?

From Project Gutenberg

In such undertakings the State must first be founded, without which the Church cannot exist, as I have said before.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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