self-existent
|self-ex-is-tent|
C1
/ˌsɛlf ɪɡˈzɪstənt/
existing independently
Etymology
Etymology Information
'self-existent' is formed from the prefix 'self-' meaning 'by oneself' and the adjective 'existent' meaning 'having existence'.
Historical Evolution
'self-existent' was formed in English by combining 'self-' and 'existent' in the 17th century, and has been used in philosophical and theological contexts since then.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'existing by oneself, independent of others', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
existing independently of anything else; having an existence that does not depend on anything outside itself.
Some philosophers argue that the universe is not self-existent.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/03 14:51