extant
UK: ɛkˈstænt | US: ɛkˈstænt
adj. still in existence; surviving
adj. currently or actually existing
extant = ex<out> + tant<standing>
- ex (Latin: "out of, from")
- tant (from Latin stare "to stand," via Old French estant "standing")
Etymology Origin:
The word "extant" originates from Latin exstare ("to stand out, be visible"), combining ex- ("out") and stare ("to stand"). It entered English in the mid-16th century via Old French estant, retaining the sense of "standing out" or "remaining in existence." The morpheme tant reflects the participle form of stare, emphasizing the idea of persistence. Over time, "extant" narrowed to describe objects, documents, or species that have survived to the present day.
Few manuscripts from the medieval period are still extant.
The extant records provide valuable insights into ancient trade routes.
This is the only extant painting by the artist.
Scientists study extant species to understand evolutionary processes.
The treaty’s extant clauses remain legally binding.