# existence

/ɛɡˈzɪstəns/ (US) · /ɛɡzˈɪstəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/existence
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the state of being real

noun · CEFR B2

the fact of being real or living.

For teachers: the state of being, existing, or occurring in reality.

- Scientists are still looking for proof of the existence of life on other planets.
- The discovery of these ancient ruins finally confirmed the existence of a sophisticated civilisation that had previously been considered mythical.

### 2. a way of living

noun · CEFR B2

a particular way of life, especially a difficult one.

For teachers: a specific mode of living or staying alive, often used to describe a person's daily life or survival.

- The family led a quiet existence in a small village by the sea.
- After the economic collapse, many families were forced into a precarious existence, relying entirely on seasonal agricultural work to survive.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.