existential

adjective
UK: /ˌeɡzɪˈstenʃəl/
US: /ˌeɡzɪˈstenʃəl/

  1. Relating to human existence.

    1. My dog's illness has me in an existential crisis.
    2. The philosopher explored existential themes in his groundbreaking work about our place in the universe.

  2. Relating to existentialism, a philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility.

    1. His art reflects his existential beliefs.
    2. She found the existential perspective liberating, freeing her from societal expectations.

  3. Describing a feeling of anxiety or despair about the meaning of life.

    1. I had an existential moment in traffic today.
    2. The long period of isolation caused him to confront his own existential dread, and consider if anything mattered.

Synonyms

philosophical fundamental essential

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "existential" in English means: Relating to human existence., Relating to existentialism, a philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility., Describing a feeling of anxiety or despair about the meaning of life..

The phonetic transcription of "existential" is /ˌeɡzɪˈstenʃəl/ in British English and /ˌeɡzɪˈstenʃəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "existential": philosophical, fundamental, essential.

Example usage of "existential": "My dog's illness has me in an existential crisis.". More examples on the page.