entity

[en-ti-tee]

noun

plural

entities 

1. something that has a real existence; thing.

   corporeal entities.

2. being or existence, especially when considered as distinct, independent, or self-contained.

   He conceived of society as composed of particular entities requiring special treatment.

3. essential nature.

   The entity of justice is universality.

entity

/ ˈɛntɪtətɪv, ˈɛntɪtɪ /

noun

1. something having real or distinct existence; a thing, esp when considered as independent of other things

2. existence or being

3. the essence or real nature

Other Word Forms

• entitative adjective
• entitatively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of entity¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Medieval Latin entitās, from enti-, stem of ēns “being” (present participle of esse “to be”; essence ( def. ) ) + -tās -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of entity¹

C16: from Medieval Latin entitās, from ēns being; see _ens

Example Sentences

“These funds must go to survivors — not individuals or entities who are looking to profit from someone else’s suffering.”

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The public has often thought of these danger zones as separate entities.

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As part of his mass deportation scheme and crime crackdown, he has ordered the National Guard, ICE and other law enforcement entities to Washington, D.C.,

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It originally involved more than 100 defendants, including some 40 individuals and a number of corporate entities.

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But it also put a massive target on the budgets of government entities, which had long ago thrown out records that could be used for a defense.

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Related Words

• body 
• individual