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Definition existence in British English

existence noun

noun
/ɪɡˈzɪst(ə)ns/
1

the state of being a real or living thing, or of being present in a particular place, time, or situation

Example

The tests confirm the existence of a brain tumour.

Example

the only copy of the book that is still in existence

Example

The company came into existence at the end of the 1980s.

Synonyms and related words
2

the way that someone lives their life, especially when their life is difficult

Example

Jones led a miserable existence in an isolated village for several years.

Example

He lived a hand-to-mouth existence in a poor area of London.

Example

Families struggle to eke out an existence in this harsh environment.

Synonyms and related words
Definition existence in British English