exist
verb (used without object)
to have actual being; be.
were existing
-
past progressiveof exist.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
“I think this trend is the meeting point of a couple different trends that were existing already, one being gut health,” explains Cara Harbstreet, M.S.,
From Salon ● Jan. 17, 2026
The authority said a full investigation was being carried out as there were existing sewer, surface water and groundwater issues in the area.
From BBC ● Nov. 22, 2023
Both Las Vegas and Dallas were existing franchises that relocated.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 18, 2023
“They are resisting and they are defending their territories and they are fighting for their autonomy and the right to exist in the way they were existing for the last 1,000 or 2,000 years.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 7, 2022
It seemed to him that, at the rate at which they were existing, twenty-five pounds would keep him for a lifetime.
From Years of Plenty by Ivor Brown
