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Existed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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existed

[ษชษกหˆzษชstษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The word 'existed' is the past tense of 'exist', which means to have actual being; to be real; to live. It indicates that something was present or took place in the past. 'Existed' can refer to physical entities, abstract concepts, or states of affairs. This word is often used to discuss entities that were once prominent or relevant but are no longer. It helps to convey a sense of historical presence or reality.

Synonyms

occurred, took place, was, was present.

Examples of usage

  • Dinosaurs existed millions of years ago.
  • She believed that magic once existed.
  • Historically, many civilizations existed in this region.
  • They claimed that ghosts existed in the old house.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have long debated the nature of existence, with existentialism exploring what it means to live authentically.
  • Renowned philosopher Renรฉ Descartes famously stated, 'I think, therefore I am', linking thinking to existence.

Science

  • The concept of existence is essential in various scientific fields, including physics, where the existence of particles is foundational.
  • In biology, the existence of species is often classified in terms of their observable traits and behaviors.

Literature

  • Many authors, such as William Shakespeare and Franz Kafka, explored themes of existence and the meaning of life in their works.
  • Existential concepts feature prominently in novels like 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus, which questions the nature of human existence.

Cultural References

  • In popular culture, songs like 'I Want to Know What Love Is' by Foreigner deal with feelings of existence and longing.
  • Films like 'The Matrix' raise questions about the nature of reality and existence within a simulated world.

Origin of 'existed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'existere', which means 'to stand out' or 'to come into being'.
  • It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century.

The word 'exist' comes from the Latin 'existere', which is composed of the prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out of' and 'sistere' meaning 'to stand'. The term evolved into the Old French 'exister' before being adopted into the English language in the late Middle Ages. It's been a core term in philosophy and literature, often used to discuss the nature of being and reality. The transition to 'existed' marks the action in the past, often indicating a state of being that is no longer current. Philosophers like Descartes and Kant have grappled with the implications of existence, further embedding the word into the English lexicon, especially in discussions of ontology and metaphysics.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,530, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.