existence Meaning & Definition
What Does Existence Mean?
As a noun, existence means The state of being, existing, or occurring; beinghood. It can also mean Empirical reality; the substance of the physical universe. (Dictionary of Philosophy; 1968).
Existence at a Glance
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ɛɡˈzɪs.təns// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | macrocosm, world and creation |
| Antonyms | nonexistence, nonbeing and nothingness |
| Plural | existences |
Existence Definition (Noun)
- The state of being, existing, or occurring; beinghood.
In order to destroy evil, we must first acknowledge its existence.
- Empirical reality; the substance of the physical universe. (Dictionary of Philosophy; 1968)
Synonyms of Existence
Existence synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Existence
Existence in a Sentence
In order to destroy evil, we must first acknowledge its existence.
Word Forms & Grammar
existence (countable and uncountable, plural existences)
Words That Rhyme With Existence
Origin of Existence
Origin 1: From Middle English existence, from Old French existence, from Late Latin existentia (“existence”), from existēns, from existō, exsistō (“I am, I exist”), from ex (“out”) + sistere (“to set, place”) (related to stare (“to stand, to be stood”)), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *stísteh₂ti, from the root *steh₂- (“stand”). Cognate with Spanish existencia, French existence, German Existenz. Displaced native Old English understandennes (literally, "understanden-ness").
Origin 2: Morphologically exist + -ence.
Pronouncing Existence
The standard pronunciation of existence is //ɛɡˈzɪs.təns//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Existence
What part of speech is existence?
Existence is a noun.
What is another word for existence?
Close synonyms of existence are macrocosm, world and creation. See the full list of existence synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of existence?
The opposite of existence can be expressed with words like nonexistence, nonbeing and nothingness.
What is the plural of existence?
The plural of existence is existences.