existence

The word describes the most basic state of being. In its first sense, it is an objective, factual claim—either something is present in reality or it is not. It carries a neutral, often scientific or philosophical tone when discussing whether something "exists." In its second sense, it shifts from a factual state to a qualitative experience. Here, it describes the texture of a person's life. Using "existence" instead of "life" often implies a certain distance, monotony, or struggle, suggesting a state of merely surviving rather than thriving. Compared to "life," which feels vibrant and biological, "existence" can feel colder, more abstract, or more precarious.