Background for existential

existential

/ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛnʃəl/ /ˌɛksɪˈstɛnʃəl/

Illustration existential - Image 1

noun

Ellipsis of existential clause

Examples :

"The linguist noted several existentials in the student's essay, instances where "there is" or "there are" had been omitted for stylistic effect. "

philosophy grammar language linguistics

Illustration existential - Image 1

noun

Ellipsis of existential type

Examples :

"The `interface` keyword in programming creates an existential: you know the object will have certain methods, but you don't know the concrete type of object implementing it. "

type philosophy logic

Illustration existential - Image 1

adjective

Of, or relating to existence.

Examples :

"The student's philosophy paper explored the existential question of whether life has inherent meaning. "

philosophy being mind

Illustration existential - Image 1

adjective

Concerning the very existence of, especially with regard to extinction.

Examples :

"Pollution poses an existential threat to many species. "

philosophy being mind soul

Illustration existential - Image 1

adjective

Based on experience; empirical.

Examples :

"The child's existential understanding of "hot" came from touching the stove, not from being told about it. "

philosophy theory being mind

Illustration existential - Image 1

adjective

Of, or relating to existentialism.

Examples :

"After failing the exam, Maria had an existential crisis, questioning the meaning of her studies and her future. "

philosophy being mind

Illustration existential - Image 1

adjective

Relating to part of a clause that indicates existence, e.g. "there is".

Examples :

"The phrase "there is" serves as an existential indicator in the sentence "There is a cat on the mat," simply showing that something exists. "