Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| existō | |
| exsistō | |
| sum | [ˈsũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsum] (narrow) |
| exsto | [ˈɛks(ː)toː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɛks.sto] (narrow) |
| consto | [ˈkõː.stoː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkɔn.sto] (narrow) |
| compareo | [kɔmˈpaː.re.oː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [komˈpaː.re.o] (narrow) |
In Latin, several verbs can express existence, but they carry different nuances. The word sum is the most common and neutral way to express simple existence or being. In contrast, existō often emphasizes the act of emerging or standing out. Other forms like consto, compareo and exsto also exist in the language to provide different shades of meaning related to being or appearing.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb existō is etymologically derived from ex-, meaning 'out' and stō, meaning 'to stand'. It literally means 'to stand out' or 'to emerge'.
Which one should you use?
While sum is the standard, neutral verb for 'to be' or 'to exist', existō is used when the sense of emerging or standing out is important. The form exstō is a variant spelling of existō and is often used interchangeably in classical texts.
Did you know?
- The future and imperfect tense endings for sum actually come from a separate verb fīō meaning 'to become'.
- The Latin root stō inside existō also gives us the English words 'stand', 'stable' and 'status'.
Examples in context
- Cogito ergo sum.I think, therefore I exist.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of sum to express existence.Tatoeba #1622303 by Akradna, translation #9933310 by Adelpa
Example conversation
Julia and Quintus are discussing their place in the universe.
- JuliaQuid putās de nōbīs?What do you think about us?
- QuintusPutō nōs in aeternum exsistere.I think we exist forever.
- JuliaId est mīrābile.That is wonderful.
- QuintusIta est, Iulia.It is so, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exist” translations and entries sum, exsto, consto, compareo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries exsto, sum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
