Words / B1

ig-ZIST/ɪɡˈzɪst/

To exist is to be real or present: life exists on Earth; the problem still exists. Live is for people and animals having a life; exist can sound colder (they exist on rice = that is all they have). Existence is the noun; existing is the adjective for things already there. There exists is a formal pattern. Do not write “is exist.”

Meaning

To be real or to be present in the world.

Examples

• “Do you think life exists on other planets?”
• “No written records exist from that period.”
• “Poverty still exists in parts of the city.”

Good to know

exist + place / still exist. Noun: existence. Adjective: existing. People living: live. Not “is exist.”

Near in meaning

live

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