Definition of exist
intransitive verb
1a : to have real being whether material or spiritual did unicorns exist the largest galaxy known to existb : to have being in a specified place or with respect to understood limitations or conditions strange ideas existed in his mind
2 : to continue to be racism still exists in society
3a : to have life or the functions of vitality we cannot exist without oxygenb : to live at an inferior level or under adverse circumstances the hungry existing from day to day
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Examples of exist in a Sentence
She believes that ghosts really do exist.
It's the largest galaxy known to exist.
Does life exist on Mars?
The Internet didn't exist then.
We shouldn't ignore the problems that exist in our own community.
Racism still exists in our society.
The organization may soon cease to exist if more funding isn't provided.
Recent Examples of exist from the Web
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Still, others in the ED community have given the filmmakers their support, arguing that To the Bone stands to do more good than harm by simply existing in the world.
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The design of the extension will match the existing deck.
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Doing that could include moving production overseas or repurposing an existing smaller facility in the United States, as well as downscaling its operations.
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In a Washington Post/ABC poll the other day, 50 percent preferred the existing law, while 24 percent favored the Senate bill.
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Background: Harmonizingly, Louisville Orchestra, musicians reach terms on new 3-year contract A flute player will be the first hired to fill an existing vacancy.
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The rocky bodies are known as Trojans, the name given to asteroids that exist in stable spots around their parent planet and share its orbit around the sun.
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This new service enhances the mall's existing environmental initiatives that include two free charging stations for electric cars powered by Volta.
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Police are investigating the case as possible malicious harassment, a crime that is defined as harassment based on a person’s race, color, nationality or religion – the existing hate crime statute in Idaho.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of exist
Latin exsistere to come into being, exist, from ex- + sistere to stand, stop; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand
EXIST Defined for English Language Learners
exist
playDefinition of exist for English Language Learners
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: to have actual being : to be real
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: to continue to be or to live
EXIST Defined for Kids
Word Root of exist
The Latin word sistere, meaning “to stand,” “to appear,” “to stop,” or “to put,” gives us the root sist. Words from the Latin sistere have something to do with standing, appearing, stopping, or putting. To assist, or help, is to stand by someone in order to give aid. To consist is to be made up of a number of thing put together. To exist, or have actual being, is to appear real. To persist is to refuse to stop doing or saying something.
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See words that rhyme with exist Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for exist Spanish Central: Translation of exist Nglish: Translation of exist for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of exist for Arabic speakers
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