# exist

/ɪɡˈzɪst/ (US) · /ɛɡzˈɪst/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exist
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The problem is existed since last year" but "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.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and cannot be used in the passive voice.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.