existentialist
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛnʃəlɪst/
KK: /ɪɡˈzɪstəntʃəlɪst/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice.
Example
The existentialist perspective encourages people to find their own meaning in life.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more existentialist
Superlative: most existentialist
Conversation
I just finished reading this book about existentialist philosophy.
Oh really? I’ve heard those ideas can be pretty deep.
Yeah, it really made me think about the meaning of life.
That's interesting! I love when a book challenges your perspective.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
philosophical
ontological
metaphysical
Antonyms
materialistic
empirical
concrete
noun
Definition
A person who follows the philosophy that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice.
Example
As an existentialist, she believes that individuals create their own meaning in life.
Conversation
I just finished reading a book by an existentialist author.
Oh really? That sounds interesting! What was the main idea?
It explored the idea of finding meaning in a meaningless world, typical of existentialist thought.
Root Explanation
Existentialist → It is formed from "existere" (from Latin, meaning to stand out or to be) and the suffix "-ist" (meaning one who practices or is concerned with). The term refers to a person who is concerned with existence and the nature of being.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is focused on 'being' ('existere') and what it means to exist — that's what an existentialist is all about.
Visually Confused Words
essentialist
experientialist
externalist