ENGLISH
REFERENCE

existent

adj. · n.
US //ɛɡˈzɪstənt// UK //ɛɡzˈɪstənt// ex·is·tent
  1. 1 currently existing (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    real or currently in being, rather than imagined or planned.

    having actual being; currently existing or occurring in reality. Often used in formal or academic contexts to contrast with potential or hypothetical states.

    Example

    The law only applies to existent companies, not those that are still being planned.

    Example

    The researcher argued that we must address existent social inequalities before we can implement the proposed economic reforms.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.
  2. 2 a being (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Formal

    something that exists as its own separate thing.

    an entity or being that has independent existence. This sense is largely restricted to philosophical texts.

    Example

    The philosopher wrote about the difference between a thought and a physical existent.

    Example

    In his early metaphysical treatises, he categorised every physical existent as a manifestation of a higher spiritual order.

    Teacher's tip

    This noun sense is very rare in modern English; learners will almost exclusively encounter 'existent' as an adjective.
Origin

From Latin existens, from existere.

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