existence
UK: ɪɡˈzɪstəns | US: ɪɡˈzɪstəns
n. the state or fact of existing or living
n. continued survival or reality
n. (philosophy) the totality of what objectively exists
existence = exist<to be> + ence<noun suffix denoting state or quality>
- exist: From Latin existere ("to emerge, stand forth"), combining ex- ("out") + sistere ("to stand"). Implies "to stand out" from nothingness.
- ence: A suffix forming abstract nouns (e.g., patience, silence), from Latin -entia, indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin existentia, rooted in existere—a vivid metaphor of "stepping out" (ex-) into visibility (sistere). It originally described tangible emergence (e.g., a plant sprouting) but evolved philosophically to denote abstract being. The suffix -ence formalized it as a noun for the state of being, reflecting Enlightenment-era debates about reality.
The existence of life on other planets remains unproven.
She questioned the existence of a higher power.
The law recognizes the existence of digital assets.
His paintings explore the fragility of human existence.
Without water, the existence of this ecosystem would collapse.