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

“From a credit standpoint, the key risk is speed of disruption rather than its existence,” UBS analysts told clients recently.

From The Wall Street Journal

The SEC declined to respond, with a spokesperson saying the agency doesn’t “comment on the existence or nonexistence of a possible investigation.”

From Barron's

“Cowboys as we know them, however, would never have come into existence without the vaquero.”

From Los Angeles Times

The story of his life - which has therefore spanned the entire existence of his country's national team - will be shown in The Charlie O'Leary Story - From Johnny Cullen's Hill to the Olympic Stadium Rome.

From BBC

Researchers around the world are eager to confirm the existence of such materials.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• continuation
• presence
• reality
• survival
• world