self-existent
Definition
- Adjective:
- Existing independently of any external cause or support: "self-existent" describes something that has its own being and does not rely on anything else for its existence.
- Inherently and eternally existing: Used especially in philosophy and theology to refer to a being or entity that exists by its own nature, without being created or sustained by another.
Usage Examples
- (The universe existing on its own without external cause.)
- (God having inherent, independent existence.)
- (An entity that exists by its own nature.)
Advanced Usage
"self-existent being": a being that exists without being caused or sustained by another.
- The idea of a self-existent being is foundational to many arguments for the existence of a deity. (A being that does not depend on anything else for its existence.)
"self-existent principle": a fundamental truth or law that exists independently.
- Some ethical theories propose a self-existent principle of justice that applies universally. (A principle that stands on its own without requiring external validation.)
Variants and Related Words
Self-existence (n): the state or quality of being self-existent.
- The self-existence of the cosmos is a topic of ongoing philosophical inquiry. (The state of existing independently.)
Self-existent (adj): as defined above.
Synonyms
- Independent: not relying on something else; free from external control.
- Autonomous: having the freedom to govern itself or exist on its own.
- Uncaused: not resulting from any previous cause or agent.
- Eternal: existing without beginning or end (often overlapping in theological contexts).
Related Idioms
To stand on one's own: to be independent and self-sufficient.
- The theory of a self-existent universe suggests it stands on its own without a creator. (It exists without external support.)
To be self-sufficient: capable of fulfilling one's own needs without external help.
- In a spiritual sense, a self-existent being is entirely self-sufficient. (Needing nothing outside itself.)