Definitions
- Referring to something that is currently present or in existence. - Describing something that is real and tangible, rather than hypothetical or imaginary. - Talking about something that is currently happening or taking place.
- Referring to something that still exists or is still in existence. - Describing something that has survived from the past and is still present today. - Talking about something that is currently known to exist or be in existence.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the state of something being in existence.
- 2Both words can be used to describe something that is currently present or known to exist.
- 3Both words can be used in formal writing or speech.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Existing is more commonly used in everyday language, while extant is more often used in academic or formal contexts.
- 2History: Extant specifically refers to something that has survived from the past and is still present today, while existing does not have this historical connotation.
- 3Connotation: Extant may imply rarity or uniqueness, while existing does not carry this connotation.
Remember this!
Existing and extant are synonyms that both refer to the state of something being in existence. However, existing is more commonly used in everyday language and does not have the historical connotation of extant, which specifically refers to something that has survived from the past and is still present today. Extant may also imply rarity or uniqueness, and can function as both an adjective and a noun.
