Meaning & Definition of word "Entity"

Entity

/ˈɛntɪti/

noun:

  • 1. Something that exists as a particular and discrete unit.
    • Example: The company is a legal entity that can own property.
  • 2. An organization or institution that has its own existence.
    • Example: The nonprofit entity works to improve education in the community.
  • 3. In philosophy, an abstract thing regarded as a particular being or existence.
    • Example: In metaphysics, every entity has properties that define its existence.
  • 4. A distinct, separate, or independent existence.
    • Example: Each student is considered an individual entity in the classroom.
  • 5. A set of things that are grouped together or treated as one.
    • Example: The city and its suburbs function as a single economic entity.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin 'entitas', from 'ens', 'ent-' (being).

Common Phrases and Expressions

corporate entity:

A company or organization recognized by law as having rights and duties.

entity relationship:

A conceptual representation of the relationships between entities in a system.

legal entity:

An organization that has legal rights and obligations.

Related Words

entity management:

The process of administering and maintaining an organization's entities.

existence:

The state of being, especially as distinguished from nonexistence.

being:

That which lives or exists; a living creature.

Slang Meanings of entity

Meaning: A person or thing that is interesting or significant.

Example Sentence: That guy over there is quite the entity at the party.