Esse Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

'Esse' is a rare, formal word in philosophy meaning 'existence' or the essential nature of something. It refers to what makes something itself, often in contrast to its qualities ('essence' or 'being').

Usage & Nuances

Highly formal, rarely used outside academic or philosophical discussions. Not to be confused with 'essay' or the demonstrative 'this' in other languages. Common in classical or medieval philosophical texts. 'Esse' is often contrasted with 'essence' or 'existence'.

• Spanish: esencia (filosofía) - ser (existir)
• Portuguese (BR): essência (filosofia)
• Portuguese (PT): essência (filosofia)
• Chinese (Simplified): 本质 (哲学) - 存在 (哲学)
• Chinese (Traditional): 本質 (哲學) - 存在 (哲學)
• Hindi: सत्व (दार्शनिक)
• Arabic: الجوهر (فلسفة) - الوجود (فلسفة)
• Bengali: অস্তিত্ব - থাকা (দার্শনিক অর্থে)
• Russian: эссе (философский термин) - бытие
• Japanese: 存在（そんざい）- エッセ（哲学用語）
• Vietnamese: tồn tại (triết học) - bản thể
• Korean: 존재 (철학 용어)
• Turkish: varlık (felsefi terim) - mevcudiyet
• Urdu: وجود (فلسفی اصطلاح)
• Indonesian: eksistensi (istilah filsafat) - ada (filsafat)

Example Sentences

Some medieval thinkers debated the nature of 'esse'.

basic

The term 'esse' is not commonly used in everyday language.

basic

A philosopher might say that a thing's 'esse' is what gives it being, regardless of its qualities.

natural

You’ll only run into the word 'esse' if you go deep into philosophy texts.

natural

When discussing existence versus essence, the term 'esse' often appears in academic arguments.

natural

In philosophy, 'esse' means the act of existing.

basic