quiddity
Also called what·ness [hwuht-nis, wuht‐] /ˈʰwʌtˌnɪs, ˈwʌt‐/ . the quality that makes a thing what it is; the essential nature of a thing.
a trifling nicety of subtle distinction, as in argument.
Origin of quiddity
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use quiddity in a sentence
And isn't it you who argues the finer shades between thisness and whatness, thickness and opaque intrusions at this juncture?
The Land of Look Behind | Paul Cameron BrownWhatness and affections (quiddity) of being distinguishes between, ii.
Plotinos: Complete Works, v. 4 | Plotinos (Plotinus)
British Dictionary definitions for quiddity
/ (ˈkwɪdɪtɪ) /
philosophy the essential nature of something: Compare haecceity
a petty or trifling distinction; quibble
Origin of quiddity
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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