Living vs. Existing — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Living involves active engagement in life, seeking fulfillment and experiences, whereas existing refers to mere survival without much personal growth or joy.
Difference Between Living and Existing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Living is characterized by a proactive approach to life, where individuals pursue goals, passions, and connections that bring them joy and satisfaction. Whereas existing often denotes a passive state where one's actions are primarily focused on basic survival and going through daily routines without much change or enthusiasm.
In living, there's often a sense of purpose and direction that drives individuals to improve themselves and their circumstances. On the other hand, existing might lack such motivations, leading to a routine or stagnant lifestyle.
Living typically involves making choices that enhance one's quality of life and well-being, engaging in hobbies, and forming meaningful relationships. Conversely, existing can imply a lack of these enriching activities and connections, possibly due to circumstances or a personal choice of minimal engagement with the world.
While living can lead to emotional and psychological growth through various experiences and challenges, existing may not encourage such development, keeping individuals in their comfort zones without significant personal challenges.
Living is often associated with a vibrant and dynamic approach to everyday situations, eagerly embracing the new and unfamiliar. In contrast, existing might reflect a more static approach, where change is either minimal or resisted.
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Comparison Chart
Engagement
High, with active participation in life
Low, minimal engagement with life
Purpose
Driven by goals and personal growth
Lacks clear purpose or goals
Emotional State
Often positive, fulfilled
Neutral, might be unfulfilled
Life Approach
Dynamic, seeks change and experiences
Static, avoids change
Personal Development
Continuous growth and learning
Minimal or no focus on personal growth
Compare with Definitions
Living
Embracing changes and challenges as opportunities for growth.
She is living proof that facing fears can lead to success.
Existing
Maintaining a status quo without seeking personal growth.
They are just existing at this point, with no plans for the future.
Living
Experiencing life to its fullest through activities and emotions.
She believes in living by constantly trying new hobbies.
Existing
Remaining alive, often without actively engaging in life's opportunities.
After his illness, he felt he was just existing, not living.
Living
Actively engaging in societal and personal growth pursuits.
Living for him includes volunteering and helping others.
Existing
Functioning at the basic level of physiological survival.
Many in extreme poverty are existing day-to-day.
Living
Pursuing goals and dreams with enthusiasm.
They are living their dream by starting their own business.
Existing
Lacking engagement in active or fulfilling pursuits.
She described her routine job as merely existing.
Living
Maintaining a balance of work, play, and relationships.
He is living well by balancing his career and personal life.
Existing
Enduring life rather than enjoying and shaping it.
Existing in a troubled community, they dream of a better life.
Living
Possessing life
Famous living painters.
Transplanted living tissue.
Existing
To have actual being; be real.
Living
In active function or use
A living language.
Existing
To have life; live
One of the worst actors that ever existed.
Living
Of persons who are alive
Events within living memory.
Existing
To live at a minimal level; subsist
Barely enough income on which to exist.
Living
Relating to the routine conduct or maintenance of life
Improved living conditions in the city.
Existing
To continue to be; persist
Old customs that still exist in rural areas.
Living
Full of life, interest, or vitality
Made history a living subject.
Existing
To be present under certain circumstances or in a specified place; occur
"Wealth and poverty exist in every demographic category" (Thomas G. Exter).
Living
True to life; realistic
The living image of her mother.
Existing
Present participle of exist
Living
Still in place as part of a larger mass. Used especially of rock
“In a great hall with pillars hewn out of the living stone sat the Elvenking on a chair of carven wood” (J. R. R. Tolkien). “Carved into a sandstone cliff face towered over by 18,000-foot peaks stood the colossal Buddhas.
Existing
That exists, or has existence, especially that exists now.
Living
Having motion suggestive of life. Used especially of water
“The rippling of living waters, the song of birds, the joyous confidence of flowers, the calm, undisturbable grandeur of the oaks, mark this place ... as one of the Lord's most favored abodes of life and light” (John Muir).
Existing
Having existence or being or actuality; as, much of the beluga caviar existing in the world is found in the Soviet Union and Iran. Opposite of nonexistent.
Living
(Informal) Used as an intensive
Beat the living hell out of his opponent in the boxing match.
Existing
Present. Opposite of absent.
Living
The condition or action of maintaining life
The high cost of living.
Existing
Presently existing; as, the existing system.
Living
A manner or style of life
Preferred plain living.
Existing
Having existence or being or actuality;
An attempt to refine the existent machinery to make it more efficient
Much of the beluga caviar existing in the world is found in the Soviet Union and Iran
Living
A means of maintaining life; livelihood
Made their living by hunting.
Existing
Existing in something specified;
Depletion of the oxygen existing in the bloodstream
Living
Chiefly British A church benefice, including the revenue attached to it.
Existing
Presently existing;
The existing system
Living
Present participle of live
Living
In use or existing.
Hunanese is a living language.
Living
Of everyday life.
These living conditions are deplorable.
Living
True to life.
This is the living image of Fidel Castro.
Living
Of rock or stone, existing in its original state and place.
Living
Continually updated; not static
HTML is a living standard.
Living
Used as an intensifier.
He almost beat the living daylights out of me.
Living
(uncountable) The state of being alive.
Living
Financial means; a means of maintaining life; livelihood
What do you do for a living?
Living
A style of life.
Plain living
Living
(canon law) A position in a church (usually the Church of England) that has attached to it a source of income; an ecclesiastical benefice.
Living
Active; lively; vigorous; - said esp. of states of the mind, and sometimes of abstract things; as, a living faith; a living principle.
Living
Issuing continually from the earth; running; flowing; as, a living spring; - opposed to stagnant.
Living
Producing life, action, animation, or vigor; quickening.
Living
Ignited; glowing with heat; burning; live.
Then on the living coals wine they pour.
Living
The state of one who, or that which, lives; lives; life; existence.
Living
Manner of life; as, riotous living; penurious living; earnest living.
Living
Means of subsistence; sustenance; estate; as, to make a comfortable living from writing.
She can spin for her living.
He divided unto them his living.
Living
Power of continuing life; the act of living, or living comfortably.
There is no living without trusting somebody or other in some cases.
Living
The benefice of a clergyman; an ecclesiastical charge which a minister receives.
He could not get a deanery, a prebend, or even a living
Living
The experience of living; the course of human events and activities;
He could no longer cope with the complexities of life
Living
People who are still living;
Save your pity for the living
Living
The condition of living or the state of being alive;
While there's life there's hope
Life depends on many chemical and physical processes
Living
The financial means whereby one lives;
Each child was expected to pay for their keep
He applied to the state for support
He could no longer earn his own livelihood
Living
Pertaining to living persons;
Within living memory
Living
True to life; lifelike;
The living image of her mother
Living
Dwelling or inhabiting; often used in combination;
Living quarters
Tree-living animals
Living
(informal) absolute;
She is a living doll
Scared the living daylights out of them
Beat the living hell out of him
Living
Still in existence;
The Wollemi pine found in Australia is a surviving specimen of a conifer thought to have been long extinct and therefore known as a living fossil
The only surviving frontier blockhouse in Pennsylvania
Living
Still in active use;
A living language
Living
(used of minerals or stone) in its natural state and place; not mined or quarried;
Carved into the living stone
Common Curiosities
How does society influence one’s choice between living and existing?
Society and cultural norms can heavily influence this choice by setting expectations for what constitutes a successful or fulfilling life.
Can external circumstances force someone to merely exist rather than live?
Yes, harsh economic, social, or personal conditions can limit a person's ability to live fully, confining them to merely existing.
Is it possible to be happy while merely existing?
Happiness is subjective; some individuals may find contentment in simplicity and routine, which involves minimal engagement with life.
Can one be considered to be living if they enjoy a routine life?
Yes, if the routine is fulfilling and brings joy, it can be considered living, as living is defined by personal fulfillment and engagement.
What philosophical views address the difference between living and existing?
Philosophical views like existentialism emphasize the importance of personal choice and self-determination in living a meaningful life.
What motivates someone to shift from existing to living?
Personal dissatisfaction, life-changing events, or inspiration from others often motivate people to shift from merely existing to actively living.
How do relationships influence whether one is living or existing?
Strong, supportive relationships can enhance one's sense of living by providing love, support, and opportunities for growth.
What role does health play in living versus existing?
Good health can enable more active engagement in various life experiences, whereas poor health might restrict one to basic existence.
Is existing sometimes a necessary phase before living?
Yes, periods of mere existence can be necessary for survival and may precede phases of growth and active engagement.
Are there psychological benefits to choosing living over existing?
Yes, choosing to live actively can lead to greater mental health benefits like reduced depression, increased happiness, and a stronger sense of purpose.
How does one maintain a balance between living actively and the need to exist day-to-day?
Balancing active living with daily existence involves setting realistic goals, managing time well, and prioritizing both fulfillment and responsibilities.
How does one’s attitude impact their state of living or existing?
A positive, open attitude can enhance one's ability to live fully, while a negative or closed mindset might contribute to mere existence.
What are common regrets of those who feel they’ve only existed?
Common regrets include not pursuing passions, avoiding risks, and not forming deeper relationships.
What are signs that someone is transitioning from existing to living?
Signs include taking new risks, showing enthusiasm for life, setting personal goals, and engaging more deeply with others.
How do cultural differences impact the perception of living vs. existing?
Different cultures have varied expectations and values that can influence whether behaviors are seen as mere existence or full engagement in life.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
