esse

American  

[es-se, es-ee] / ˈɛs sɛ, ˈɛs i /

noun

Latin.

1. being; existence.

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esse British  

/ ˈɛsɪ /

noun

1. existence

2. essential nature; essence

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Usage

What is esse? Esse refers to existence or essence. Esse means that something has a physical form or is not imaginary or fictional. It exists, as in During an existential crisis, a man may question life itself and even doubt the esse of reality. Esse can also mean essence. It is the very nature of something or its defining quality, as in Freedom and choice are the esse of our democracy. Example: The priest gave a sermon in which he said that humanity’s existence, our esse, is a gift from God.

Etymology

Origin of esse

C17: from Latin: to be

Example Sentences

Nos mesmos meses de 2021, esse número caiu para 175 kg.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 5, 2023

Não ceder a esse medo, e sim dar as mãos a quem pretende lutar contra ele, este é sempre o antídoto para essa toxina.

From The Guardian • Jan. 31, 2020

"Wine is to be added to all foods" -- Omnibus cibis vinum addendum esse.

From New York Times • Jan. 14, 2016

There’s Berkeley’s esse est percipi, the more radical claim that behind appearances lurk more appearances, that objects are made not of atoms but of thoughts.

From Scientific American • Jan. 31, 2014

He stood above me, held the book aloft, and in a loud, even piercing tenor, declaimed: “Hoc anno, servus nomine Eunis qui a paucis esse magus dicebatur in dominos suos coortus est.”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson