Exist
/ɪɡˈzɪst/
Definitions
To be real; to have objective reality; to have existence.
/ɪɡˈzɪst/
To have reality, to be present, or to continue to live.
Do you think that ghosts exist?
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite toy. Does it 'exist'? Yep! It's real and you can play with it. 'Exist' means to be real, to actually be.
👶 For kids: To be real, like your toys or the sun.
More Examples
This problem has existed for many years.
The need for clean water still exists in many parts of the world.
How It's Used
"Descartes famously stated, 'I think, therefore I exist'."
"Many species of animals no longer exist due to habitat loss."
"The problem doesn't exist anymore, it was solved."
Idioms & expressions
exist in a vacuum
To not be connected to or influenced by anything else; to be isolated.
"His decisions seemed to exist in a vacuum, without regard for public opinion."
co-exist
To exist together in the same time or place.
"Humans and animals can co-exist peacefully."
From Middle French *exister* (16th c.), from Latin *existere* ('to stand forth, appear, exist'), from *ex-* ('out, forth') + *sistere* ('to cause to stand, set, establish').
Used in a philosophical and theological context since the 16th century, gaining broader usage through scientific and literary contexts.
Memory tip
Think of an 'X' marking the spot where something 'exists'.