exist-v; 2 Senses

Sense Number 1: be

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1 EXIST (PP)

Examples:
What was there before the universe existed?
Mary's romantic interest in John existed only in his mind.
Crime simply does not exist in their small society.
This law exists to protect consumers against fraud.

Mappings:
VerbNet: exist-47.1-1
FrameNet: Existence
PropBank: exist.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: subsist, survive

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1[agent[animate]] EXIST ADVP[manner]

Examples:
They existed on only nuts and wild berries for two weeks in the mountains.
They can't exist in New York City on a dollar a day!
Many people manage to exist without a cellphone or computer.

Mappings:
VerbNet: exist-47.1-1,gorge-39.6
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2