existence

noun

ex·​is·​tence ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s How to pronounce existence (audio)
1
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
2
: actual or present occurrence
existence of a state of war
3
a(1)
: the totality of existent things
(2)
: a particular being
all the fair existences of heavenJohn Keats
b
: sentient or living being : life
c
: reality as presented in experience
d
obsolete : reality as opposed to appearance

Examples of existence in a Sentence

She began to doubt the existence of God. the existence of UFO's is something that people continue to argue about
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In its decade-long existence, the company's wallets have never been hacked. Nina Bambysheva, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Their relationship adds a layer of humanity that few other game adaptations have managed, while also critiquing season one for refusing to wholeheartedly commit to the existence of LGBTQIA+ characters in the show. Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024 The mere existence of such a case is bad news for any nominee. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024 Researchers said the existence of the byproduct was discovered about 40 years ago, but it was only identified now because analysis techniques have improved, which finally enabled scientists to determine the chemical’s structure. Evan Bush, NBC News, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for existence 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French existence, existance, borrowed from Late Latin existentia, exsistentia, noun derivative of existent-, existens/exsistent-, exsistens "having being, existent"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3d

Time Traveler
The first known use of existence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near existence

Cite this Entry

“Existence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existence. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

existence

noun
ex·​ist·​ence
ig-ˈzis-tən(t)s
1
: the fact or the state of having being or of being real
the largest animal in existence
2
: the state of being alive : life
owed my existence to a doctor's skill

More from Merriam-Webster on existence

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