Existence: meaning, definitions and examples

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existence

[ ɪɡˈzɪstəns ]

^{Context #1}

philosophy

The state or fact of existing; being.

Synonyms

being, presence, reality

Examples of usage

The debate on the existence of God has been ongoing for centuries.
There is evidence to support the existence of extraterrestrial life.

^{Context #2}

general

The continuance of life or being.

Synonyms

being, life, survival

Examples of usage

Her existence was threatened by the dangerous situation.
We must fight for the existence of endangered species.

^{Context #3}

formal

The way in which something is real or tangible.

Synonyms

actuality, presence, reality

Examples of usage

The artist focused on capturing the existence of emotions in his paintings.
The existence of poverty in such a wealthy country is concerning.

Translations

Translations of the word "existence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 existência

🇮🇳 अस्तित्व

🇩🇪 Existenz

🇮🇩 keberadaan

🇺🇦 існування

🇵🇱 istnienie

🇯🇵 存在 (そんざい)

🇫🇷 existence

🇪🇸 existencia

🇹🇷 varoluş

🇰🇷 존재 (존재)

🇸🇦 وجود

🇨🇿 existence

🇸🇰 existencia

🇨🇳 存在 (cúnzài)

🇸🇮 obstoj

🇮🇸 tilvist

🇰🇿 бар болу

🇬🇪 არსებობა

🇦🇿 mövcudluq

🇲🇽 existencia

Word origin

The word 'existence' originates from the Latin word 'existentia', which is derived from the verb 'existere', meaning 'to come into being' or 'to appear'. The concept of existence has been a central topic in philosophy, with thinkers like Descartes, Kant, and Nietzsche exploring its implications. The question of existence has also been a theme in literature and art, with existentialism as a philosophical movement focusing on individual existence in an indifferent universe.

See also: coexist, coexisting, exist, existing.