- 1[intransitive] (not used in the progressive tenses) to be real; to be present in a place or situation Does life exist on other planets? The problem only exists in your head, Jen. Few of these monkeys still exist in the wild. When he retires, his position will cease to exist. The charity exists to support victims of crime.
- 2[intransitive] exist (on something) to live, especially in a difficult situation or with very little money We existed on a diet of rice. They can't exist on the money he's earning.
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NAmE//ɪɡˈzɪst//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they exist he / she / it exists
past simple existed
-ing form existing
Check pronunciation: exist