Exist: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to emphasize the state of being or presence, especially in a philosophical or existential context.

• Do aliens really exist? Many philosophers debate whether true happiness can exist

Used to indicate the act of leading a life in a particular place or in a particular way.

• I live in New York
• He wants to live a simple life

Used in general contexts to denote the state of existence, identity, or occurrence.

• I want to be a doctor
• The meeting will be at 3 PM

Used to indicate the happening of an event, action, or instance, often in specific or predefined circumstances.

• Earthquakes frequently occur in this region
• The concert will occur next week

This word is best used when referring to the state of being real or having presence in reality. It often suggests a fundamental or philosophical notion of presence.

• Dinosaurs no longer exist
• Does life exist on other planets?

This phrase is used when something is discovered, typically after searching or looking for it. It often implies that there was an effort or process involved in locating the item or information.

• The missing keys were finally found under the couch
• Wild animals can be found in the forest

This phrase is used when someone or something is in a particular place or situation at a specific time. It often refers to attendance or physical presence.

• All the students must be present at the meeting
• The professor was present during the entire lecture

This word is used to describe events or incidents that happen, often unexpectedly. It is frequently used in formal contexts or scientific discussions.

• Eclipses occur several times a year
• The accident occurred at midnight

This word is used to indicate that something is present or real, often in a more philosophical or abstract sense. It can suggest merely being without any particular characteristics or actions.

• Ghosts are believed by some to exist in old houses.
• Does life exist on other planets?

This phrase is not commonly used in everyday language but can be found in more formal or literary contexts. It emphasizes the state of existing.

• These creatures are said to have existence in the deepest parts of the ocean.

This is the basic form of the verb 'to be' and is used to indicate the state of something or someone, or to link the subject to an adjective or noun that describes it.

• She wants to be a doctor.
• The sky is blue.

This word is best used to indicate the act of being alive, experiencing life, and often implies thriving or residing in a place.

• She wants to live her life to the fullest.
• They live in a beautiful house by the beach.