The phrase "extant works" refers to surviving pieces of literature or art. The word "extant" is pronounced as /ɛkstənt/, with the stress on the first syllable. It comes from the Latin "existentem", meaning "existent" or "in existence". The spelling includes the silent "x", a common characteristic of words with Greek or Latin roots. The word is used in academic and literary contexts to describe works that have withstood the test of time and have survived for future generations to appreciate.
Extant works refer to documents, manuscripts, or other forms of written or artistic creations that have survived the passage of time and remain in existence. The term "extant" is derived from the Latin word "extāns," which means "standing out" or "still in existence."
In the context of literature, extant works include literary texts that have been preserved throughout history. These can range from ancient epics like the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer to classic novels such as Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. These works are considered extant because they have endured over centuries, despite the natural decay and loss that often occurs over time.
Extant works are crucial for understanding the intellectual, cultural, and artistic achievements of past civilizations. They serve as primary sources, providing insights into historical events, social structures, and the development of ideas. They are significant reservoirs of knowledge and wisdom, offering a window into the minds and experiences of people who lived hundreds or even thousands of years ago.
Archaeologists, historians, literary scholars, and other researchers study extant works to unravel the past and gain a deeper understanding of human civilization. These works provide a tangible link to our ancestors and offer glimpses into the diverse range of human experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. Without extant works, much of our collective history and cultural heritage would remain a mystery, leaving many questions unanswered and limiting our ability to learn from the past.
The word "extant" is derived from the Latin word "extantem", which is the present participle of "exstare". "Exstare" is a compound word, consisting of "ex" (meaning "out") and "stare" (meaning "to stand"). In Latin, "extantem" means "standing out" or "still existing".
"Works", in this context, refers to artistic or literary creations or pieces. It is a term used to describe any form of expressive or creative endeavor. The origins of the word "works" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled as "weorc". It has cognates in many Germanic languages, including German "werk" and Dutch "werk".
Therefore, the term "extant works" refers to artistic or literary creations that are still in existence, standing out as surviving pieces from a specific artist or period.