ENGLISH
REFERENCE

existentialism

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced UK //ɛɡzɪstˈɛnʃɪəlˌɪzəm// ex·is·ten·tial·ism

n. a way of thinking in philosophy that says life has no built-in meaning. Instead, you are completely free to make your own choices and create your own purpose.

n. a philosophical movement that emphasises individual existence, freedom, and choice. It posits that humans define their own meaning in life and make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe.


SIMPLE

He studies existentialism to understand how people create meaning in their lives.

CONTEXTUAL

The professor's lecture on existentialism focused on the idea that we are entirely responsible for our own actions and choices.

COMPLEX

Rooted in the anxiety of the post-war era, French existentialism challenged traditional moral frameworks by insisting that existence precedes essence, leaving humanity condemned to be free.

Origin

Borrowed from French existentialisme.

Usage

Typically used without an article when referring to the philosophical movement as a whole.

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