entity
UK: ˈen.tɪ.ti | US: ˈen.t̬ə.t̬i
n. a thing with distinct and independent existence
n. (law) an organization or being that has legal rights and duties
n. (computing) a distinct object or concept in a database or system
entity = ent<being> + ity<noun suffix>
- ent (from Latin ens, present participle of esse "to be") → denotes "being" or "existence."
- ity (noun-forming suffix from Latin -itas) → indicates a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word entity traces back to the Late Latin entitas, derived from ens (being). It entered Middle English via Old French entité, retaining its core meaning of "something that exists." The suffix -ity solidifies its abstract noun form, emphasizing the concept of independent existence. The logical progression reflects a shift from the verb "to be" (esse) to a tangible or abstract "thing that is."
The corporation is legally recognized as a separate entity.
Scientists debate whether dark matter is a physical entity or a theoretical construct.
Each database entity must have a unique identifier.
The artist treated light and shadow as visual entities in her painting.
Ghosts are often described as supernatural entities.