exist
verb (used without object)
to have actual being; be.
existed
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past participleof exist.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof exist.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
existverb (used without object)to have actual being; be.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Translation and interpretation services existed, but not always; take-home materials were invariably in English only.
From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026
We paint our current selves onto the kids we grew up with, so the bookworm remembers a childhood crowded with library lovers, and today’s teenagers are contrasted with classmates who never existed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
Some will point out that football existed before the European Champion Clubs' Cup began in 1955 - so apologies to Stan Cullis' 'world-champion' Wolves outfit and the Mitropa Cup's early Vienna heavyweights.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
The relationships existed beside each other, awkwardly but honestly.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026
They were so intent on her, and the smell of her, that I might as well not have existed.
From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen
