Word
exist
Phoneticsex·ist, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪɡˈzɪst/
UK/ɛɡzˈɪst/
Definition
v. to be real or to live. You use this to say that something is actually here in the world and is not just an idea or a dream.
v. to have objective reality or being; to live or have life. Intransitive — does not take a direct object.
Examples
“Do you believe that ghosts exist?”
“Scientists are still searching for evidence to prove that life could exist on other planets in our solar system.”
“While many ancient traditions exist only in history books today, some remote communities continue to practice these rituals exactly as their ancestors did centuries ago.”
Examples
simple
“Do you believe that ghosts exist?”
contextual
“Scientists are still searching for evidence to prove that life could exist on other planets in our solar system.”
complex
“While many ancient traditions exist only in history books today, some remote communities continue to practice these rituals exactly as their ancestors did centuries ago.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “exist” in context.
Usage
The verb is intransitive and cannot be used in the passive voice.
Pitfall
The problem is existed since last year
The problem has existed since last year
Exist is an intransitive verb and cannot be used in the passive voice; it describes a state, not an action performed on an object.
Etymology
From French exister, from Latin existō, exsistō (“I am, I exist, appear, arise”), from ex (“out”) + sistere (“to set, place”) (related to stare (“to stand, to be stood”)), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European stísteh₂ti, from the root steh₂- (“stand”); see stand. Compare assist, consist, desist, insist, persist, resist. Cognate with Spanish existir, French exister, Italian esistere, German existieren.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/exist