Understanding the Word: Existentialist
Have you ever found yourself pondering the purpose of life or feeling the weight of your own freedom? If so, you have brushed against the themes central to the existentialist perspective. This word often appears in literature, philosophy, and film, yet it can be daunting for many English learners. At its core, the term describes a way of thinking that places the individual at the center of their own universe, emphasizing that while life may lack an inherent blueprint, we are entirely responsible for creating our own meaning.
Definitions and Meanings
The word existentialist functions as both a noun and an adjective. Understanding the distinction helps you use it accurately in conversation and writing.
- As a Noun: It refers to a person—usually a philosopher or a thinker—who adheres to the principles of existentialism. An existentialist believes that we are born into a world without a pre-set purpose and that we must define ourselves through our choices.
- As an Adjective: It describes something related to, influenced by, or characteristic of existentialism. For example, you might describe a movie’s tone as existentialist if it focuses on themes of isolation, choice, and the search for identity.
Grammar Patterns and Usage
When using existentialist, it is helpful to notice how it sits within a sentence structure. As an adjective, it is almost always placed before the noun it modifies.
Examples of usage:
- "Jean-Paul Sartre is perhaps the most famous existentialist of the twentieth century." (Noun)
- "The main character in the novel experiences a profound existentialist crisis when he realizes he must choose his own path." (Adjective)
- "Many students are drawn to existentialist literature because it mirrors their own feelings of uncertainty about the future." (Adjective)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake people make is confusing existentialist with existential. While they are related, they are not always interchangeable.
An existential crisis is a broad term for any crisis regarding one's existence or purpose. However, an existentialist crisis specifically refers to a struggle rooted in the formal philosophy of existentialism—the idea that you have absolute freedom to choose your essence. Avoid using the word "existentialist" when you simply mean "scary" or "big." For example, do not say "The earthquake was an existentialist threat to the city." Instead, use "existential" or simply "grave."
FAQ
Is it ever wrong to use this word in casual conversation?
It is not wrong, but because it refers to a specific branch of philosophy, it can sound quite academic. Use it when you are discussing themes of human freedom, choice, or the search for meaning.
Is "existentialist" the same thing as "existential"?
They are closely related, but "existential" is much broader. You can have an existential concern (a concern about life), but an "existentialist" concern specifically relates to the philosophical school of thought.
Do I have to be a philosopher to be an existentialist?
Not at all! Anyone who lives by the principle that they define their own life through their actions and choices can be described as holding an existentialist view.
Conclusion
The term existentialist may seem intimidating at first, but it is a powerful tool for describing the human condition. Whether you are analyzing a classic book, discussing the choices of a character in a film, or thinking about your own personal philosophy, this word helps define the complex journey of navigating a world where we are the authors of our own stories. By understanding its nuances, you can better articulate the profound questions that define our daily existence.