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esse

[ es-se; English es-ee ]

noun

, Latin.
  1. being; existence.


esse

/ ˈɛsɪ /

noun

  1. existence
  2. essential nature; essence
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of esse1

C17: from Latin: to be
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Example Sentences

Assisted by Romain Esse following a corner.

From BBC

A hearty thumbs-up to choreographer Parker Esse and associate choreographer Andrea Beasom, for the fast-paced, action-packed transitions from hospital to festive banquet revelers.

Assisted by Romain Esse with a headed pass.

From BBC

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

From Slate

Nos mesmos meses de 2021, esse número caiu para 175 kg.

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More About Esse

What is esse?

Esse refers to existence or essence.

Esse means that something has a physical form or is not imaginary or fictional. It exists, as in During an existential crisis, a man may question life itself and even doubt the esse of reality.

Esse can also mean essence. It is the very nature of something or its defining quality, as in Freedom and choice are the esse of our democracy.

Example: The priest gave a sermon in which he said that humanity’s existence, our esse, is a gift from God.

Where does esse come from?

The first records of the English esse come from around 1600. It comes directly from the Latin esse, meaning “to be.”

Esse is very rarely used in English. In philosophy or theology, esse is sometimes used to discuss deep questions about what it means to actually exist as a person or in discussions of the existence and divinity of God. Outside of that, the word esse is likely to be found in a Latin quote.

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What are some synonyms for esse?

What are some words that share a root or word element with esse

What are some words that often get used in discussing esse?

How is esse used in real life?

Esse is very rarely used. On social media, esse is often used by people quoting (or pretending to quote) philosophers.

Try using esse!

Which of the following words is a synonym of esse?

A. nothingness
B. existence
C. absence
D. void

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