existential

• Relatif à l'existence, surtout employé en philosophie pour décrire l'état d'être ou la condition d'exister.

Relating to existence, especially used in philosophy to describe the state of being or the condition of existing.

1. Related to lived experienceC1formal

   Derived from or grounded in the actual experience of existence, as distinguished from abstract or theoretical knowledge.

   existentiel (lié à l'expérience vécue)

   • Dewey argued for an existential foundation of truth rooted in human practice.
   • Her existential understanding of pain came from years of personal struggle.
   • The philosopher contrasted existential knowledge with purely logical deduction.

   Synonymesconcreteempiricalexperiential

2. Pertaining to existentialismC1formal

   Of or relating to existentialism, a philosophical movement emphasizing individual freedom, choice, and the subjective experience of existence.

   existentiel (relatif à l'existentialisme)

   • Sartre's existential writings explore the burden of radical freedom.
   • The film raises deep existential questions about identity.
   • Existential philosophy rejects predefined essence in favor of self‑creation.

   Synonymesexistentialist

3. Concerning human existenceB2formal

   Relating to the nature, meaning, or challenges of being alive, especially human existence with its anxieties and responsibilities.

   existentiel (relatif à l'existence humaine)

   • Many people experience an existential crisis during major life transitions.
   • The lecture addressed existential themes like mortality and purpose.
   • Art often confronts us with existential questions about our place in the world.