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

Example Sentences

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.

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Recent Examples on the Web

No cure exists, but medications and management strategies may temporarily improve the symptoms. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 1 June 2023

Another explanation of the center’s power in Congress now – and in the House debt ceiling vote – is the incentive that exists to be seen as a winning party. —Matt Harris, The Conversation, 1 June 2023

But Robertson said that the role of individual agency versus the role of algorithmic culpability hasn’t been well probed by independent researchers, and the studies that do exist largely focus on social media and not search engines. —Scott Nover, Quartz, 1 June 2023

The power dynamic between men and women is by default imbalanced due to societal structures that have existed for hundreds of years that are unfair. —Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2023

Prosecutors allege that Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, falsely logged the Cohen payments as being for a legal retainer that didn’t exist. —Michael R. Sisak, Anchorage Daily News, 31 May 2023

That would be plenty in most cases, and realistically easier to accommodate with an existing power supply. —PCMAG, 31 May 2023

Instead, Durand recommended schools train existing staff or security officers to de-escalate fights and mediate conflicts. —Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 31 May 2023

That’s why even with the new fulfillment center, deliveries will be made within a 5-7 mile radius of the existing Plano and Frisco stores, as well as new stores opening this year in McKinney and Allen. —Maria Halkias, Dallas News, 31 May 2023

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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