Existentialistification: Word of the Day: Existentialistification
Existentialism refers to the gradual or deliberate process of viewing life, experiences, art, decisions, or identity through the philosophical concept of existentialism. It involves questioning meaning, confronting uncertainty, accepting personal freedom, and accepting responsibility for one’s choices in a world that may not provide clear answers. Existentialism emphasizes individual interpretation, self-definition, and internal responsibility rather than dependence on external structures for purpose.
In simpler terms, it refers to the moment when someone stops living on autopilot and begins to question deeply. From where They live the way they live.
Origin of the Word
The word existentialism is derived from existentialism, a philosophical movement that came to prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries through thinkers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche, Simone de Beauvoir and Albert Camus. Existentialism focuses on concepts related to freedom, originality, alienation, absurdity, and the human search for meaning.
The suffix “-ification” comes from Latin -ficareIt means “to make,” “to cause,” or “to bring about.” When combined the word literally means: the act of doing something existential in nature. Although rare in everyday conversation, existentialism is sometimes used in academic writings, literary criticism, and philosophical discourse to describe a shift towards existential interpretation.
How to Pronounce
example-zis-TEN-shuh-liste-ih-fi-KAY-shun
How to Use the Word?
Existentialism is best used in reflective, intellectual or analytical contexts. It is naturally appropriate in conversations on the following topics:
- Literature and art interpreted with existential concepts
- Psychological or emotional changes
- Personal crises or times of deep self-evaluation
- Cultural or social transformations that question meaning
- Philosophical analysis of contemporary life
Example in Sentences
- The existentialization of the novel transformed a simple plot into a meditation on freedom and responsibility.
- The midlife crisis resulted in the existentialization of their daily routines.
- Modern films often show existentialization of human loneliness and purpose.
- The poet’s work reflects the existentialism of grief and identity.
- The pandemic has accelerated the existentialization of individuals’ perspectives on work and meaning.
Why is this word special?
What makes existentialism remarkable is its ability to encapsulate a broad philosophical process into a single, powerful term. It involves a mental shift from comfort to questioning, from certainty to discovery. The word highlights the psychological moment when people begin to confront the fragility of meaning and the weight of personal decisions.
In today’s fast-paced and uncertain world, existentialism makes fundamental sense. Individuals are increasingly questioning traditional ways, inherited beliefs and societal expectations. Careers, relationships, and identities are no longer taken for granted; they are analyzed, dissected and redefined. This word provides language for that internal transformation.
FAQ:
Q1. What does existentialism mean?
It is the process of interpreting life and experiences through existential thoughts. It focuses on freedom, decisions and personal responsibility.
Q2. Where does the word come from?
It is derived from existentialism, a philosophical movement, and the suffix “-ification” meaning the act of doing something in a certain way.
