existentialism

A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice; the view that humans define their own meaning in a universe without inherent purpose.

• existentialist/ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛnʃəlɪst/(n/adj)存在主义者/的
• existential/ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛnʃəl/(adj)存在的/关乎存在的

• existential crisis
• existential dread
• existential freedom
• existentialist literature

1. 1.Sartre's famous dictum — "existence precedes essence" — is the core of existentialism: you are not born with a purpose; you create one. (philosophical principle)
2. 2.An existential crisis at forty led him to quit his corporate job and become a carpenter. (questioning life's meaning)

• (no direct synonym — existentialism is a specific philosophical movement)

from Latin "existere" (to come into being) — ex- (out) + sistere (to stand) — to stand out, to emerge into being