existential

/,egzis'tenʃəl/

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Sure! Let's break down the word "existential" in a way that's easy to understand.

Definition:

The word "existential" is an adjective that relates to existence—especially human existence. It often deals with big questions about life, such as why we are here, what it means to be alive, and how we make choices.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "existential" to describe things that are connected to the experience of being alive or the philosophical ideas about existence. It can be used in both everyday conversation and more formal discussions.

Example Sentence:

• "After losing his job, he went through an existential crisis, questioning the purpose of his life."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "existential" can refer to philosophical theories known as existentialism. This is a movement that explores themes of freedom, choice, and the meaning of life. Think of philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre or Simone de Beauvoir, who wrote about these ideas.

Word Variants:

• Existence (noun): The state of being alive or real.
  • Example: "His existence was a constant struggle for meaning."
• Existentialism (noun): A philosophical theory focusing on individual existence and the choices we make.
  • Example: "Existentialism emphasizes personal responsibility and freedom."

Different Meanings:

• Existential can also be used in a more general sense to describe something that is critical for survival or essential to existence.
  • Example: "Access to clean water is an existential issue for many communities."

Synonyms:

• Philosophical
• Existentialist (related to existentialism)
• Fundamental (when discussing essential aspects of existence)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "existential" itself doesn't have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, you may encounter phrases like:

Summary:

"Existential" is a word that helps us talk about important questions about life and what it means to exist.

Academic

Adjective

1. relating to or dealing with existence (especially with human existence)
2. of or as conceived by existentialism
   • an existential moment of choice
3. derived from experience or the experience of existence
   • the rich experiential content of the teachings of the older philosophers- Benjamin Farrington
   • formal logicians are not concerned with existential matters- John Dewey

Synonyms

• experiential