the fact or state of existing; being the continuance or maintenance of life; living, esp in adverse circumstances something that exists; a being or entity everything that exists, esp that is living
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
ex•ist•ence /ɪgˈzɪstəns/USA pronunciation
n.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- the state or fact of existing;
being:[uncountable]To prove his own existence, Descartes once said, "I think; therefore I am.'' - [uncountable] continuance in being or life;
life: It was a constant struggle for existence. - [countable* usually singular] mode or way of existing: They were working for a better existence.
- [uncountable] all that exists: Existence shows a universal order.
ex•ist•ence
(ig zis′təns),USA pronunciation n.
- the state or fact of existing;
being. - continuance in being or life;
life:a struggle for existence. - mode of existing:They were working for a better existence.
- all that exists:Existence shows a universal order.
- something that exists;
entity;
being.
- Late Latin ex(s)istentia. See exist, -ence
- Middle English 1350–1400
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
'animate existence' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):