existence

/ɪɡˈzɪstəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪɡˈzɪstəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ig-ˈzi-stən(t)s/ (ame, mw)

existence — noun

  • existencesingular
  • existencesplural

1. the fact that someone or something is alive or really present in the world

1.名詞B1
釋義

the fact that someone or something is alive or really present in the world

例句

Tariro discovered the existence of ancient Roman coins buried in his backyard.

the existence of — noun phrase followed by prepositional object

Before telescopes, the existence of distant planets was a complete mystery to people.

同義詞
  • being

    more abstract and philosophical; focuses on the essence of what something is

  • reality

    emphasises that something is actual rather than imagined

  • presence

    suggests something is currently in a place rather than merely existing somewhere

反義詞

文法句型

the existence of

come into existence

in existence

用法筆記

Commonly paired with 'the' when referring to a specific fact (the existence of life on Mars). Also appears in fixed phrases like come into existence and in existence.

常見錯誤

❌There is an existence of a problem.
✅There is a problem.
💡In most contexts, using 'the existence of' is more natural than 'an existence of'.

2. a particular kind of life that someone lives, especially one that is difficult,

2.名詞B2
釋義

a particular kind of life that someone lives, especially one that is difficult, boring, or unhappy

例句

Eri's daily existence consisted of waking up, going to work, and sleeping again.

adjective + existence — describing the quality of a daily routine

Lien dreamed of a peaceful existence on a quiet island far from the busy city.

同義詞
  • life

    broader and more neutral; does not carry the same implication of difficulty or boredom

  • lifestyle

    focuses on choices and habits rather than the general experience of living

  • living

    emphasises how someone earns or spends their days

  • way of life

    more formal; refers to habits, customs, and routines as a whole

文法句型

adjective + existence

possessive + existence

用法筆記

Almost always modified by an adjective or possessive that describes the quality of life (quiet existence, daily existence, her miserable existence). Without a modifier, it may sound incomplete.

常見錯誤

❌He had existence.
✅He had a quiet existence.
💡This sense almost always needs an adjective or possessive to specify what kind of life.