existed
v. A2 Elementary US //ɪɡˈzɪstəd// UK //ɛɡzˈɪstɪd// ex·ist·ed
v. to be real or to live in the world. You use this when talking about things that are not just in your imagination.
v. to have objective reality or being; to live or have life. Intransitive — does not take a direct object.
Dinosaurs existed millions of years ago.
The small village existed for centuries before the new highway was built nearby.
Historians debate whether the legendary city actually existed or if it was merely a symbolic creation of ancient poets.
Usage
The verb is intransitive and cannot be used in the passive voice.
Pitfall
The problem was existed for years.The problem had existed for years.Existed is an intransitive verb and cannot be used in the passive voice (be + past participle).