quiddity
noun
The inherent nature or essence of someone or something; what makes something what it is. In philosophy, the essential qualities that define a thing.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin "quidditas," from Latin "quid" (what). Scholastic philosophers used this term to discuss the essential nature of things, distinct from their accidental properties.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The philosopher spent years trying to define the quiddity of consciousness."
- 2.
"What is the quiddity of love that distinguishes it from mere affection?"
- 3.
"The quiddity of the novel lies in its exploration of moral ambiguity."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Medieval scholars debated whether quiddity could be separated from existence. This question—whether essence precedes existence—became central to 20th-century existentialism, with Sartre famously arguing existence comes first.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 8 letters (Q, U, I, D, D, I, T, Y)
Scrabble Value: 22 points
Tip: Look for common letter combinations like "QU" at the start of words.
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