/ ɪgˈzɪst; NAmE / verb [ v ]
1.
(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, Jane.
Few of these monkeys still exist in the wild.
On his retirement the post will cease to exist .
The charity exists to support victims of crime.
2.
exist (on sth) 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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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: probably a back-formation from existence .