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

Participants allegedly capitalized on a martial-law ban on lawsuits against important state entities by demanding kickbacks before contractors received payment for their work.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It urged the Chinese entities to respond and take immediate steps to restore predictable and established supply flows without delay.

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He however noted that some US businesses and civil society entities were present.

Read more on BBC

These disclosures are from 13Ds filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 13Ds are filed within 10 days of an entity’s attaining more than 5% in any class of a company’s securities.

Read more on Barron's

Charming and witty each in his own way, they were four strong individuals and a single entity.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• body 
• individual