Being extant is a phrase commonly used in academic writing to refer to something that is currently in existence. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈbiːɪŋ ɛkstənt/. The first syllable (/biːɪŋ/) is pronounced with a long "e" sound, while the second syllable (/ɛkstənt/) has a stressed "e" sound and is spelled with an "x" instead of a "c" to indicate the "ks" sound. Overall, the spelling of being extant follows standard English phonetic rules.
Being extant refers to something that is currently in existence or existence of something that still remains. Extant comes from the Latin word "extare," which means "to be in existence" or "to stand out."
When something is said to be extant, it means that it has survived over a long period of time or has been preserved until the present day. It implies that the object or entity in question has not been lost, destroyed, or eradicated, and instead maintains its original form or essence. Extant can be used to describe various things, including literary works, documents, artworks, organisms, or cultural artifacts.
In a literary context, extant might refer to writings or texts that have survived from ancient times, such as the extant works of Shakespeare or ancient Greek plays written by Sophocles. Similarly, it can pertain to historical documents or manuscripts that have endured through time, providing valuable insights into the past.
In the realm of biology, extant can describe species that still exist today, despite the extinction of numerous other species over time. For instance, crocodiles are considered extant reptiles because they have managed to survive for millions of years.
Overall, being extant signifies the continued existence, survival, and preservation of something, often seasoned with the notion of longevity or historical significance.
The word extant comes from the Latin word extans (genitive extantis), which is the present participle of the verb exstare meaning to stand out or to exist. It is derived from the prefix ex- which means out or out of, and the verb stare meaning to stand. Therefore, the word extant literally means standing out or existing.