existence

ex·is·tence

noun \ig-ˈzis-tən(t)s\

Definition of EXISTENCE

1

a obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance b : reality as presented in experience c (1) : the totality of existent things (2) : a particular being <all the fair existences of heaven — John Keats> d : sentient or living being : life

2

a : the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence <the existence of other worlds> b : the manner of being that is common to every mode of being c : being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect

3

: actual or present occurrence <existence of a state of war>

Examples of EXISTENCE

1. She began to doubt the existence of God.
2. <the existence of UFO's is something that people continue to argue about>

First Known Use of EXISTENCE

14th century

Related to EXISTENCE

Synonyms: actuality, corporality, corporeality, reality, subsistence, thingness

Antonyms: inexistence, nonbeing, nonexistence, nothingness, unreality

Related Words: genuineness, realness; activity, animation, life; currency, presence, prevalence

Near Antonyms: absence, dearth, lack, want; potentiality, virtuality

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Rhymes with EXISTENCE

long-distance, mean distance, resistance