Existential

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌɛɡ.zɪˈstɛn.ʃəl/

Definitions

  1. relating to existence or the experience of being alive, especially concerning questions of meaning, purpose, and individual freedom
  2. Pertaining to the state of being or living, particularly in relation to the philosophical inquiries about meaning, essence, and personal autonomy
  3. Associated with the nature of existence, especially in the context of exploring life's significance, motivations, and the idea of self-determination

Etymology: The adjective in question emerged from the philosophical movement known as existentialism, which gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries. This term traces its roots to the Latin verb "existere," meaning "to stand out" or "to emerge," which itself combines "ex-" (out of) and "sistere" (to cause to stand). Originally, "existence" simply denoted the state of being or living, but the philosophical usage shifted focus toward human existence as a conscious, individual experience. The philosophical sense began to take shape in the early 20th century, particularly through the works of figures like Søren Kierkegaard and later Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger. These thinkers explored themes of individuality, freedom, and authenticity in the face of an often absurd or indifferent world. The adjective form emerged to describe concepts, conditions, or dilemmas related to this mode of being, emphasizing personal experience and the challenges of defining meaning. By the time the word entered English usage, it carried the weight of these philosophical ideas, moving beyond a mere descriptor of existence to highlight the subjective, often troubling aspects of human life. The suffix "-ial" transforms the noun into an adjective, indicating relation or pertinence. Thus, the term encapsulates reflections on the nature of human existence, especially as it pertains to choice, anxiety, and the search for purpose in a seemingly indifferent universe.

Synonyms: philosophical, ontological, metaphysical, vital, essential

Antonyms: nonexistential, irrelevant, insignificant, trivial, meaningless