exist

verb

ex·​ist ig-ˈzist 

existed; existing; exists

intransitive verb

1

a

: to have real being whether material or spiritual

did unicorns exist

the largest galaxy known to exist

b

: 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

3

a

: to have life or the functions of vitality

we cannot exist without oxygen

b

: to live at an inferior level or under adverse circumstances

the hungry existing from day to day

Synonyms

• be
• breathe
• live
• subsist

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 on the Web

Tucker and Stout have the kicker and punter jobs locked down, so the only potential drama that exists revolves around the new kickoff rules and whether the Ravens will perhaps try Stout as a kickoff specialist. —Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 21 July 2024

Carpenter bees are known to drill into wooden structures that may exist around your home, such as a wood deck or the siding of your house. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 21 July 2024

Anyway… The negative form of a positive word that doesn’t exist but has hung around long enough to have its origins mostly forgotten seems like an awfully apt symbol for this stupid, dispiriting moment. —Harry Siegel, New York Daily News, 20 July 2024

Analysis of the different spectral bands in that light can then tell scientists about the specific atoms and molecules that exist in the planet’s atmosphere. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 20 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French exister, borrowed from Latin existere, exsistere "to come into view, appear, show oneself, come into being" (Late Latin, "to have real being, be, be present"), from ex- ex- entry 1 + sistere "to cause to stand, assume a standing position, place, check, halt" — more at assist entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

exist

verb

ex·​ist ig-ˈzist 

1

: to have actual being : be real

do unicorns exist?

2

: to continue to be

as long as doubt exists

3

: to continue to live : stay alive

earned barely enough to exist on