Existent

/ɪɡˈzɪstənt/ adjective

Definition

Having reality or being; currently existing or present in the world.

Etymology

From Latin existentem, present participle of existere meaning 'to emerge, appear, exist.' Formed from ex- (out) plus sistere (to stand), literally meaning 'to stand out' or emerge into being.

Kelly Says

The etymology of 'existent' suggests that existence was originally understood as 'standing out' from nothingness, implying that being requires a kind of emergence or distinction. Philosophers have puzzled over existence for millennia, yet the word itself suggests existence is fundamentally about becoming visible or apparent.

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