nonexistent
UK: ˌnɒnɪɡˈzɪstənt | US: ˌnɑːnɪɡˈzɪstənt
adj. not having existence or being; not real or present
adj. lacking factual basis or validity
nonexistent = non<not> + exist<be> + ent<adjective suffix>
- non: Prefix meaning "not," from Latin non.
- exist: Root from Latin existere ("to come into being," from ex- "out" + sistere "to stand").
- ent: Adjective-forming suffix, from Latin -entem (present participle ending).
Etymology Origin:
The word "nonexistent" combines the negation prefix non- with the Latin-derived verb exist, emphasizing the absence of being. The suffix -ent turns it into an adjective, solidifying its meaning as "not having existence." This logical construction reflects a clear opposition to "existent," rooted in philosophical and linguistic traditions.
The creature he described was entirely nonexistent.
Her fears proved to be nonexistent after further investigation.
In a perfect world, poverty would be nonexistent.
The document was deemed nonexistent by the archives.
His enthusiasm for the project was almost nonexistent.