quiddity

[ kwid-i-tee ]

noun

, plural quid·di·ties.

1. Also called what·ness [hwuht, -nis, wuht, ‐]. the quality that makes a thing what it is; the essential nature of a thing.
2. a trifling nicety of subtle distinction, as in argument.

quiddity

/ ˈkwɪdɪtɪ /

noun

1. philosophy the essential nature of something Compare haecceity
2. a petty or trifling distinction; quibble

Word History and Origins

Origin of quiddity¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Medieval Latin quidditās, equivalent to Latin quid “what” + -itās noun suffix; -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of quiddity¹

C16: from Medieval Latin quidditās, from Latin quid what

Example Sentences

Ample quotations from Hardwick allow her restless quiddity to come through.

From New York Times

And one of the few hopeful things I observed, in an otherwise grim time, was that, despite the advancing creep of retail sameness that long predated a pandemic, plenty of quiddity remained.

From New York Times

Survila’s approach allows the animals their independence, a sense of their quiddity that respects their being.

From New York Times

Ferrell’s shtick never gets there; the makers don’t grasp the show’s loopy quiddity, the grating earnestness that makes it so appalling and lovable.

From The Guardian

Managers, doormen and valets, with their quiddities and quirks, help set the tone for the singular ecosystem that is any given apartment building, as Mr. Soffer, the banker, explained.

From New York Times

Related Words

• aspect
• basis
• bottom line
• character
• core
• crux
• element
• lifeblood
• meaning
• nature
• principle
• quality
• reality
• root
• soul
• spirit
• structure
• substance