Extant Meaning and Definition
Extant
Pronunciation
/(ɛksˈtænt)/
Part of Speech
Adjective, noun
Definition
A living or existing thing; a being that exists or has existed at some time.
Examples
1. “The fossilized remains of a long-extant species were discovered in the excavation site.”
2. “The ancient texts describing the existence of an extant civilization were discovered in the ruined city.”
Synonyms
1. Existing
2. Living
3. Surviving
Antonyms
1. Extinct
2. Non-existent
3. Defunct
Etymology
From Latin ‘extantem’, present participle of ‘exitare’, to stand out, be seen, from ‘ex-‘ indicating existence and ‘-stare’ indicating standing or being.
Additional Information
The word “extant” is often used in historical, archaeological, and literary contexts to describe objects, texts, or species that are still in existence or have existed in the past. It can also be used to describe something that continues to exist or happen, independent of the presence of an observer. In scientific contexts, the term is used to describe a species or organism that is still alive or has survived to the present day.
Extant species are often contrasted with extinct species, which have become extinct and do not exist anymore. The concept of extant species is crucial in fields such as taxonomy, ecology, and conservation biology.
Usage Notes
When using “extant” as an adjective, it typically modifies a noun to indicate that the thing being described is still in existence or has existed at some time. For example, “an extant species” or “an extant civilization”.
When using “extant” as a noun, it can refer to a living or existing thing, such as “the extant fossil record” or “the extant genetic material”.
Cultural References
The word “extant” has been used in various literary and scientific contexts, including philosophical discussions about the nature of existence and historical accounts of the discovery of ancient civilizations.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘To stand in extant’ – to exist or continue to exist in spite of adversity.
Collocations
extant species
extant civilization
extant fossil record
Frequency of Use
The word “extant” is relatively rare in everyday language, but it is commonly used in scientific, academic, and literary contexts.
Common Misspellings
Existant
Existante