ENGLISH
REFERENCE

existent

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ɛɡˈzɪstənt// UK //ɛɡzˈɪstənt// ex·is·tent Archaic

adj. describing something that is real or actually lives in the world right now. It is the opposite of something that is imaginary or dead.

adj. having reality, being, or existence; currently in being. Often used in philosophical or technical contexts to distinguish between actual and hypothetical entities.


SIMPLE

The species is still existent in some parts of the rainforest.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists are currently mapping all existent species of deep-sea coral to better understand the impact of climate change.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that for a concept to be meaningful, it must refer to an existent object or a verifiable phenomenon within the physical world.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Latin existens, from existere.

Usage

Typically used predicatively after a linking verb or attributively before a noun; often contrasted with 'extinct' or 'non-existent'.

Pitfall

The existent of the problem is clear.The existence of the problem is clear.Learners often confuse the adjective 'existent' with the noun 'existence'.

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