verb

exister

exist

Être réel ou présent dans le monde.

Definition & meaning

The verb exister primarily means to have an objective reality or to have a place in the physical or conceptual world. It is used to describe things that are real as opposed to imaginary.

There are a few nuances to its meaning:

To have reality: This is the most common usage, referring to the fact that something is present in the universe. For example, "L'espoir doit exister" (Hope must exist).
To live: In a biological or human context, it can mean to be alive or to lead a life.
To persist: It can refer to something that continues to be or remains in force, such as a law, a custom, or a feeling.
To stand out: In a more figurative sense, it can mean to be noticed or to have importance in a social or professional environment.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: Exister is a regular verb of the first group, characterized by its -er ending. It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. In compound tenses, such as the passé composé, it is conjugated with the auxiliary verb avoir.

Word origin: The word is derived from the Latin verb exsistere, which literally means "to stand out" or "to emerge." It is formed from the prefix ex- (out) and the verb sistere (to cause to stand, to place). This suggests a transition from non-being into being, or stepping out into the light of reality.