existence
n. C / Un. the state of being real or alive. It can also describe a specific way of living, like having a quiet or difficult life.
n. the state or fact of being real, living, or present. It can also denote a specific manner or condition of living.
We did not know about the existence of this secret room.
The scientists are searching for proof of water's existence on the distant planet to determine if it could support life.
Forced to work long hours for minimal pay, the labourers endured a bleak existence that left little room for joy or personal ambition.
From Middle English existence, from Old French existence, from Late Latin existentia (“existence”), from existēns, from existō, exsistō (“I am, I exist”), 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”). Cognate with Spanish existencia, French existence, German Existenz. Morphologically exist + -ence.
Uncountable when referring to the general state of being; countable when describing a specific manner of living (e.g., 'a lonely existence'). Frequently followed by the preposition 'of'.