entity

American  

[en-ti-tee] / ˈɛn tɪ ti /

noun

plural

entities

1. something that has a real existence; thing.

   corporeal entities.

2. being or existence, especially when considered as distinct, independent, or self-contained.

   He conceived of society as composed of particular entities requiring special treatment.

3. essential nature.

   The entity of justice is universality.

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entity British  

/ ˈɛntɪtətɪv, ˈɛntɪtɪ /

noun

1. something having real or distinct existence; a thing, esp when considered as independent of other things

2. existence or being

3. the essence or real nature

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Other Word Forms

• entitative adjective
• entitatively adverb

Etymology

Origin of entity

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Medieval Latin entitās, from enti-, stem of ēns “being” (present participle of esse “to be”; essence ( def. ) ) + -tās -ty ²

Example Sentences

TikTok then struck a deal to create a new U.S. entity to avoid a ban.

From Los Angeles Times

“People, entities and even nations in the past that decided that it can’t happen here were right—until they weren’t,” said Mitch Daniels, budget director under President George W. Bush.

From The Wall Street Journal

Banks’ loans to BDCs are often secured by those funds’ loans as collateral, and structured as loans to special entities.

From The Wall Street Journal

The net product is a polished defense of Jackson’s impact as a separate entity from the machine her father constructed that also answers questions that have dogged her throughout her career.

From Salon

“If they pay a claim, or even investigate it, and the vessel is linked to sanctioned entities, they could face very serious consequences.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• body
• individual