Existential

Definition

(noun) Ellipsis of existential clause
(noun) Ellipsis of existential type
(adjective) Of, or relating to existence.
(adjective) Concerning the very existence of, especially with regard to extinction.
(adjective) Based on experience; empirical.
(adjective) Of, or relating to existentialism.
(adjective) Relating to part of a clause that indicates existence, e.g. "there is".

Background

The term 'existential' likely finds its roots in philosophical discourse from the early 20th century. As an adjective, it pertains to existence, often associated with questions of being and the nature of reality. In its noun form, it can refer to an existential clause, a grammatical construction that poses a situation or existence-related assertion.

Commonly found in philosophical texts, psychology, and literature, 'existential' often appears in phrases such as 'existential crisis' and 'existential threat.' This word is frequently used in discussions about personal identity and the human condition, particularly in contexts that explore the search for meaning or the anxiety of existence itself. Authors like Jean-Paul Sartre popularized the term in existential philosophy, contributing to its frequent use in academic and popular discourse.

For puzzle enthusiasts, 'existential' scores 18 points in Scrabble, making it a valuable word to play. It fits within the Wordle criteria, being 11 letters long, and contains common bigrams such as 'ex' and 'st.' Players can also derive several sub-words from its letters, including 'entities,' 'anxieties,' and 'entails,' providing numerous options for scoring.

The word 'existential' stems from the Latin 'existere,' meaning 'to stand out' or 'to emerge.' It gained prominence in philosophical contexts during the 20th century, particularly within existentialism, a movement that examined individual existence and freedom. While its plural form is rarely used, the adjective can be modified to form 'existentially.' The precise origin is debated, but it continues to resonate in discussions about existence and reality.

Using Existential in a sentence

She faced an existential crisis when considering her future career.
The novel explores existential themes through the protagonist's struggles.
In philosophy classes, students often analyze existential questions about life and meaning.
As Sartre famously stated, 'Existence precedes essence.'

Origin of Existential

The word 'existential' likely originates from the Latin 'existere,' which means 'to stand out' or 'to emerge.' It became more widely used in philosophical discussions during the early 20th century, particularly within the framework of existentialism, a movement concerned with individual existence and freedom. The precise origin is debated, particularly in terms of its evolution into modern usage, but it has retained its focus on questions of being and existence over time.

Word stats

Existential contains 11 letters: 5 vowel(s) and 6 consonant(s).
It uses 8 unique letters.
Estimated syllable count: 4.
Scrabble-style letter score: 18.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Existential mean?

Ellipsis of existential clause

How many letters are in Existential?

Existential has 11 letters.

What are some common phrases that include this word?

'Existential crisis' and 'existential threat' are two frequent collocations that highlight the word's connection to themes of existence and reality.

When did this term become popular in language?

'Existential' gained currency in the early 20th century, particularly through existentialist philosophers who examined the nature of existence and human freedom.

Is there a word that is often confused with 'existential'?

'Existential' is sometimes confused with 'existence,' but the former delves deeper into the philosophical implications of existence, while the latter simply refers to the state of being.

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