Existential
Example: She faced an existential crisis during her philosophy class.
Definition
"Existential" relates to existence, especially human existence and experience, focusing on the individual's freedom, choice, and responsibility. In philosophy, it often addresses questions about meaning, purpose, and the nature of being, as in an existential crisis concerning one's life direction.
Etymology
The word "existential" originates from the Latin verb 'existere,' meaning 'to stand out' or 'to exist.' It entered English through the philosophical movement called existentialism, which emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing individual existence and personal responsibility. Did you know? The term became popular with thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Søren Kierkegaard.
Learn to use this word actively
"Existential" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - Philosophy - (B1) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used words.
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