Existential
ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛnʃəl
Definitions
Relating to existence, especially human existence, and the questions surrounding it, such as the meaning of life, free will, and the nature of reality.
ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛnʃəl
Relating to existence or the nature of being.
He faced an existential dilemma when choosing between career paths.
💡 Simply: It's like when you ponder big questions, like 'Why am I here?' or 'What's the point of everything?' That's an existential question! If someone's having an existential crisis, they're feeling confused and worried about their life's purpose.
👶 For kids: It's like thinking about what it means to be alive and what your life is all about.
More Examples
The painting evokes an existential mood with its stark imagery.
The philosopher's work delves into existential angst and the human condition.
How It's Used
"Existential questions about the meaning of life are central to the study of existentialism."
"The novel explored existential themes of alienation and freedom."
"The patient was experiencing an existential crisis."
From Late Latin *existentialis*, from *existentia* (existence), from *exsistere* (to exist). It gained prominence in philosophy through existentialism, a 20th-century philosophical movement.
The term gained popularity with the rise of existentialist philosophy in the 20th century. Prior to that, it was more rarely used in academic or philosophical contexts.
Memory tip
Think of 'existence' - what it means to *be*.
Word Origin
"existence"