QUIDDITIES Meaning and
Definition
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Quiddities, noun (plural)
Etymology: Derived from the Latin word "quidditas", meaning "whatness" or "essence".
1. In philosophy: The fundamental and unique nature or essence of a thing; its inherent and distinctive qualities that define its true nature. Quiddities are the essential characteristics that differentiate an entity or concept from others, allowing it to be precisely identified and classified. For instance, the quiddities of a triangle include having three straight sides and angles that add up to 180 degrees.
2. In logic: The abstract and universal properties or attributes that define a particular concept or proposition. Quiddities aim to capture the necessary and sufficient conditions that must be present for an idea or claim to be true or valid. For example, in the statement "all mammals are warm-blooded," the quiddity refers to the defining characteristics of mammals, such as having hair and producing milk.
3. In general usage: The unique and distinctive features, aspects, or elements that distinguish something or someone from others. Quiddities encompass the specific traits, qualities, or peculiarities that make a person, object, situation, or idea noteworthy or exceptional. These may include physical attributes, personality traits, behavior patterns, or idiosyncrasies that set individuals or things apart.
Overall, quiddities explore the essence and intrinsic qualities that make things what they truly are, contributing to their distinctiveness, categorization, and understanding.
Common Misspellings for QUIDDITIES
- 1uiddities
- 2uiddities
- wuiddities
- auiddities
- qyiddities
- qhiddities
- qjiddities
- qiiddities
- q8iddities
- q7iddities
- quuddities
- qujddities
- qukddities
- quoddities
- qu9ddities
- qu8ddities
- quisdities
- quixdities
- quicdities
- quifdities
Etymology of QUIDDITIES
The word "quiddities" derives from the Latin term "quidditas", which comes from the phrase "quid est". In Latin, "quid est" means "what is it?" or "whatness". In medieval scholastic philosophy, "quidditas" was commonly used to refer to the essence or nature of a thing. Over time, the term was anglicized and evolved into "quiddity", which refers to the essential quality of something or the inherent nature of a thing. "Quiddities" is the plural form of "quiddity", and it generally describes the specific or distinctive features that define an object or concept.
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