Reading Theme:
Existence: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：reality or being (existence)
existence
/ɪɡˈzɪstəns/
n.
The state of something being real and present, not imagined.
reality or being
➕
/riˈæləti ɔːr ˈbiːɪŋ/
n.
Refers to the state of having objective reality, of being present and not merely conceptual.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'exsistere' (to stand forth, appear), from 'ex-' (out) + 'sistere' (to stand).
💡 Mnemonic
Remember 'EXIT' + 'SENTENCE'. A sentence has to EXIT your mind and be spoken to have existence.
📖 Example
In our philosophy class, we debated the existence of things we can’t see, like luck or love.
In our philosophy class, we debated the reality or being of things we cannot see, such as luck or love.
🔗 Collocations
deny the existence of – to claim that something is not real
come into existence – to begin to exist
question the existence of – to doubt whether something is real
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
nonexistence (n.) – the state of not existing
absence (n.) – the state of being away or not present
illusion (n.) – a false idea or belief, something that is not real
🌱 Derivatives
exist (v.) – to have objective reality or being
existent (adj.) – having existence; current
pre-existence (n.) – existence in a former state or before something else
📖 Cultural Story
The philosophical concept of existence, central to thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and existentialism, stems from this Latin root meaning 'to stand out' or 'to emerge.' It evolved from denoting 'presence' to profound questions of being and reality.
Meaning 2：survival or life (existence)
existence
/ɪɡˈzɪstəns/
n.
The condition of staying alive, often with little money or comfort.
survival or life
➕
/sərˈvaɪvəl ɔːr laɪf/
n.
Refers to the condition of living, especially under difficult, basic, or minimal circumstances.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
His existence in the tiny apartment was simple, with just a bed and a small table.
His life in the tiny apartment was simple, with just a bed and a small table.
🔗 Collocations
bare existence – a life with only the most basic necessities
struggle for existence – the effort to survive under difficult conditions
means of existence – the resources needed to support life
🔄 Synonyms
subsistence (n.) – the state of maintaining or supporting oneself at a minimal level
livelihood (n.) – a means of securing the necessities of life
survival (n.) – the state of continuing to live or exist, often despite difficulty
🚫 Antonyms
prosperity (n.) – the state of being successful and having a lot of money or comfort
abundance (n.) – a very large quantity of something, more than enough
comfort (n.) – a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint
🌱 Derivatives
coexistence (n.) – the state of existing together, often peacefully
nonexistent (adj.) – not having existence or reality; absent
Wordbook
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