Existence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s/ ex·is·tence

Meaning & Definition of Existence

Existence (noun)

  1. the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence
  2. the manner of being that is common to every mode of being
  3. being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect

Existence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the fact of being or of being real

    "the existence of UFO's is something that people continue to argue about"

    similar: actuality, corporality, corporeality, reality, subsistence, thingness
    related: genuineness, realness, activity, animation, life, currency, presence, prevalence
    opposite: inexistence, nonbeing, nonexistence, nothingness, unreality
    near: absence, dearth, lack, want, potentiality, virtuality

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Existence

The most common words with a similar meaning to Existence:

actuality, corporality, corporeality, reality, subsistence, thingness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Existence

Words with the opposite meaning of Existence:

inexistence, nonbeing, nonexistence, nothingness, unreality

Related Words for Existence

genuineness, realness, activity, animation, life, currency, presence, prevalence

Near Antonyms of Existence

absence, dearth, lack, want, potentiality, virtuality

Origin & Etymology of Existence

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French existence, existance, borrowed from Late Latin existentia, exsistentia, noun derivative of existent-, existens/exsistent-, exsistens "having being, existent"

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Existence

Words & Phrases Containing Existence

struggle for existence, come into existence, go out of existence

Frequently Asked Questions about Existence

What does "Existence" mean?

"Existence" means the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence. As a noun, it is defined as: the state or fact of having being especially independently of human consciousness and as contrasted with nonexistence.

What is another word for "Existence"?

Other words for "Existence" include actuality, corporality, corporeality, reality, subsistence and thingness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Existence" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Existence"?

There are 14 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Existence". Common alternatives include actuality, corporality, corporeality, reality, subsistence and thingness.

What is the opposite of "Existence"?

Antonyms of "Existence" include inexistence, nonbeing, nonexistence, nothingness and unreality. Near antonyms include absence, dearth, lack and want.

How do you use "Existence" in a sentence?

Examples of "Existence" in a sentence: "the existence of UFO's is something that people continue to argue about".

Is "Existence" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Existence" is a noun.

Is "Existence" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Existence" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Existence"?

"Existence" is pronounced /ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as ex·is·tence.