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The state or fact of existing; being.
L'esistenza di questa legge risale al 1950.
The existence of this law dates back to 1950.
Used in philosophical, legal, or abstract contexts.
Life or the course of a person's life.
Ha dedicato la sua esistenza alla ricerca scientifica.
He dedicated his life to scientific research.
Often implies a meaningful or purposeful life.
'Esistenza' is more formal and abstract, while 'vita' refers to the actual life of a person or living being. For example, 'la sua esistenza' (his existence) vs. 'la sua vita' (his life).
In discussions about being, reality, or the nature of life, 'esistenza' is the preferred term. For example, 'L'esistenza di Dio' (The existence of God).
From Latin *existentia*, from *existere* (to exist), from *ex-* (out) + *sistere* (to stand).
In Italian, 'esistenza' is more abstract than 'vita' (life), which refers to the biological state. 'Esistenza' can also imply the act of living or being, not just the period of life.