exist
Definitions
To be real; to have actual being
存在
To be present in a particular place or situation
存在于（某处或某情形中）
To manage to stay alive, especially with difficulty
（艰难地）生存，维持生计
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedex- (out) + ist (from sistere, 'to stand') = 'to stand out.' To exist is to stand out from nothingness into being. That's why 'exist' carries a weight 'be there' doesn't — it asks whether something has emerged into reality at all.
Root st still carries 376 more wordsWhy It Means This
Of all the -sist words, exist makes the boldest leap. Latin existere literally meant 'to step forth, stand out.' Philosophers seized on it: to exist is to have stood out from nothing into the realm of the real. The everyday senses follow naturally — something can exist in a place (be present) or someone can barely exist (manage to keep standing, i.e. survive).
Common Collocations
- 1.exist in存在于
- 2.cease to exist不复存在
- 3.barely exist勉强生存
Example Sentences
- 1.
Some people believe ghosts really exist.
- 2.
Several rare species still exist in this forest.
- 3.
The family barely existed on his small wage.