existence

[ig-zis-tuhns]

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.

existence

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• postexistence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of existence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word ex(s)istentia. See exist, -ence

Example Sentences

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University may have uncovered a promising clue in the long-running effort to confirm the existence of dark matter.

Read more on Science Daily

How did the universe come into existence, and what early processes shaped everything that followed?

Read more on Science Daily

Of course, 2,000 years ago people used different language and symbols to get at the core truths of humanity’s jeopardy-filled existence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We maintain ourselves in existence,” he says, “through a style bequeathed to us by our Rilkean memories.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Convictions for murder without a body are rare because of the difficulty of proving the existence of a crime.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• continuation 
• presence 
• reality 
• survival 
• world