existential
existential Lexical Profile
existential Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to, affirming, orthreatening the fundamental existence or survival of something.
"Rising sea levels pose an existential threat to low-lying island nations."
Concerned with the philosophical movement of existentialism, or with deep questions regarding human meaning, purpose, and free will.
"Graduating from university often triggers an existential crisis as young adults search for purpose."
In logic and linguistics, expressing or stating the existence of at least one member of a specified class (as in an existential quantifier or clause).
"In logic, the statement 'some birds cannot fly' is represented using an existential quantifier."
Word Nuance & Usage
In contemporary journalism and politics, 'existential' is frequently used in the phrase 'existential threat' to mean a danger capable of destroying an entire group or system, which is distinct from its philosophical sense regarding personal meaning and free will.
• Rhymes for existential
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 17th century from Late Latin existentialis ('pertaining to existence'), derived from Latin exsistere ('to step forth, emerge, or exist'). Its philosophical sense became widespread in the mid-20th century through translations of French and German existentialist writers.