Existing – Definition and Part of Speech
Existing primarily functions as a verb or adjective in English:
- As a Verb: To have life; be alive; occur or take place.
- As an Adjective: Present at this time but not necessarily from the beginning.
When used as a verb, “existing” denotes that something currently has presence or is operative. As an adjective, it describes conditions, entities, or ideas that are presently in effect or being considered without implying their origin.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table of primary synonyms for “existing,” along with their definitions, example sentences, and typical style registers:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present | Emphasizes current time or presence | “The present opportunities are vast.” | Formal, Academic |
| Alive | Specifically refers to living things | “We have discovered new species that are still alive.” | Informal/Casual |
| Current | Highlights the most recent or ongoing state | “The current challenges require immediate attention.” | Business/Formal |
| Existing | General term for being in existence | “In evaluating existing policies, we found several areas needing revision.” | Academic/Professional |
| Contemporary | Pertains to the present time or period | “Contemporary art often reflects societal issues of today.” | Cultural/Academic |
Usage Notes
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Present: Often used in both academic and formal settings. It can signify an emphasis on “now” and is commonly found in discussions about current circumstances or situations.
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Example: In a business report, one might state: “The present economic climate presents unique challenges.”
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Alive: This synonym is typically reserved for living organisms. Its usage can be informal and vividly descriptive, often evoking imagery of life.
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Example: In casual conversation or creative writing: “In the forest, a few animals are still alive after the storm.”
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Current: Ideal in business contexts to stress relevance and timeliness. It’s often used in reports and updates that focus on recent developments or ongoing issues.
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Example: In a professional email: “Please review the current version of the document before submission.”
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Existing: As both an adjective and verb, this is a versatile term suitable for academic and formal discourse where precision about continuity from past to present is necessary.
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Example: In academia: “This study examines existing theories on climate change.”
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Contemporary: Used primarily in cultural and academic contexts when referring to ideas, art, or trends that relate to the current period. It implies a focus on what is modern or cutting-edge.
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Example: In an essay about music: “The contemporary genre of jazz incorporates many electronic elements.”
Common Pitfalls
- Mixing Synonyms: The use of “existing” and “current” can be confused, but remember that “current” specifically indicates something ongoing at the present moment, whereas “existing” simply denotes presence without temporal emphasis.
- Context Misalignment: Using “alive” outside its biological context can lead to confusion. It should primarily refer to living entities unless used metaphorically or poetically.
Final Recap
In summary, while “existing” as an adjective and verb captures the essence of something being in existence, synonyms like “present,” “alive,” “current,” and “contemporary” each offer nuanced variations that can enhance clarity and precision based on context. Each synonym is suited to particular settings, from business reports and academic papers to casual conversations or creative works. By understanding these subtleties, you can choose the most fitting word for your specific needs.
To reinforce learning, practice incorporating these synonyms into sentences relevant to your field of study or interest. This active engagement will help solidify their meanings and appropriate contexts in your vocabulary arsenal.