American English
/ɪgˈzɪs.tn̩s/
3 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
the fact or state of being real, alive, or present
Practice out loudthe fact or state of being real, alive, or present
The discovery confirms the existence of water on the planet.
Many people question the existence of ghosts.
the existence of · prove the existence of
the existence of + noun
question the existence of + noun
a person's life or way of living, especially when it is simple, lonely, or difficult
He chose a quiet existence in a small town.
The prisoners endured a harsh existence.
For everyday talk about a person's life, life is usually more natural; existence can sound formal or serious.
a quiet existence · a miserable existence
live a/an + adjective + existence
lead a/an + adjective + existence
to begin to exist
The company came into existence in 2005.
existing at a particular time
Few buildings from that period are still in existence.
to stop existing
The tradition ceased to exist after the war.