existing
UK: ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ | US: ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ
adj. currently or actually present
v. (present participle of "exist") to have objective reality or being
existing = exist<to be> + ing<present participle suffix>
- exist: From Latin existere ("to come forth, arise, appear"), combining ex- ("out") + sistere ("to stand"). Originally implied "emergence into observable reality."
- -ing: Old English present participle suffix, indicating ongoing action or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word "existing" traces back to Latin existere, which literally meant "to stand out" (from ex- + sistere). Over time, it evolved to emphasize the state of being or reality. The suffix -ing marks its role as a present participle, describing something currently in a state of existence. The logic reflects a shift from physical emergence ("standing out") to abstract presence ("being").
The existing laws need urgent reform.
Few surviving manuscripts from that era are still existing.
She focused on improving existing technologies rather than inventing new ones.
The document lists all existing members of the organization.
Existing evidence supports the theory but remains inconclusive.