Word
existent
Phoneticsex·is·tent, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛɡˈzɪstənt/
UK/ɛɡzˈɪstənt/
Definitions
01currently existing
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. real or currently in being, rather than imagined or planned.
adj. having actual being; currently existing or occurring in reality. Often used in formal or academic contexts to contrast with potential or hypothetical states.
“The law only applies to existent companies, not those that are still being planned.”
“The researcher argued that we must address existent social inequalities before we can implement the proposed economic reforms.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Antonyms
02a being
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Formal
n. something that exists as its own separate thing.
n. an entity or being that has independent existence. This sense is largely restricted to philosophical texts.
“The philosopher wrote about the difference between a thought and a physical existent.”
“In his early metaphysical treatises, he categorised every physical existent as a manifestation of a higher spiritual order.”
Teaching tip
This noun sense is very rare in modern English; learners will almost exclusively encounter 'existent' as an adjective.
Real-World Examples
“It found that respite care was "non existent" in parts of Wales.” Etymology
From Latin existens, from existere.
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/existent