self-existent

adjective

self-ex·​is·​tent ˌself-ig-ˈzi-stənt How to pronounce self-existent (audio)
: existing of or by oneself or itself independently of any other being or cause : not caused to exist by someone or something else
a self-existent universe
"… the Judeo-Christian concept of God, which has God as uniquely self-existent."William Lane Craig
self-existence noun
plural self-existences
[Jean Paul] Sartre … states that the created entities cannot enjoy autonomy or self-existence because they must depend upon a creator. Paul Clavier

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-existent was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near self-existent

Cite this Entry

“Self-existent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-existent. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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