'exist' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'existere,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'sistere' meant 'to stand.'

'existere' transformed into the French word 'exister,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exist' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to stand out or emerge,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to have actual being.'