entity

/ˈentəti/
nounIntermediate a thing with distinct existence
general

something that exists as a distinct and separate thing

In philosophy, an entity is anything that has existence.

Philosophers discuss entities as things that exist.

The database contains multiple entities like users and products.

The database organizes data into distinct categories.

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Often used in abstract or conceptual contexts.

⚖️Law
formal

a person, company, or organization recognized as having legal rights and responsibilities

The entity must file taxes as a corporation.

The company has legal obligations as a taxable entity.

Non-profit entities often receive tax-exempt status.

Charities are legally recognized as non-profit entities.

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Common in legal and business contexts.

Collocations

legal entitya person or organization with legal rightsbusiness entitya company or organizationabstract entitya concept or idea that exists

Related Phrases

legal entityphrase
a person or organization recognized by law
abstract entityphrase
a concept or idea that exists

💡Pro Tip

Legal vs. General Use

In legal contexts, 'entity' refers to organizations with rights. In general use, it means anything that exists.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The meaning of 'entity' changes based on context—legal, philosophical, or technical.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'entitas' (being, essence), from 'ens' (thing that is). First used in English in the 15th century.

📝Usage Notes

In computing, 'entity' often refers to a data object in a database. In philosophy, it refers to anything that exists.

Word Breakdown

ent
in
prefix
+
ity
state or quality of
suffix
English Dictionary