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Exigence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exigence

[ˌɛɡ.zɪˈdʒɛns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

urgent need

Exigence refers to an urgent need or demand that requires immediate attention or action. It often arises in contexts where circumstances are pressing, necessitating a quick response or solution. In rhetoric, exigence can refer to the situation that motivates a speaker or writer to communicate. Addressing an exigence effectively can influence the outcome of a situation or the persuasiveness of an argument.

Synonyms

demand, necessity, requirement, urgency.

Examples of usage

  • The exigence for medical supplies during a pandemic was unprecedented.
  • In the debate, the speaker highlighted the exigence of climate change.
  • The exigence of the crisis prompted quick government action.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Often used in rhetorical contexts to describe the urgency that motivates writers to address specific topics.
  • In literature, exigence refers to the situation that prompts the author to write or speak, shaped by cultural or social factors.
  • Famous speeches, like Martin Luther King Jr.'s, were sparked by societal exigencies, highlighting their power in persuasive communication.

Communication

  • Understanding exigence helps in analyzing persuasive tactics in speeches and writing, focusing on the speaker's purpose.
  • Effective communication often requires identifying the exigence to tailor messages that capture attention.
  • Public relations rely heavily on finding the exigence behind client issues to frame narratives that resonate with audiences.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical discussions about exigence often explore the concept of need versus want, diving into human motivations.
  • It connects to existential arguments about human action, emphasizing responses to urgent issues in life.
  • Debates in ethics frequently revolve around exigence, weighing the moral imperatives that compel people to act.

History

  • Historical events, such as wars or crises, often created exigencies that shaped nations and societies.
  • The exigent circumstances of the American Revolution prompted debates on governance and rights.
  • Exigence during the Civil Rights Movement fueled activism, showing the deep connection between urgency and social change.

Origin of 'exigence'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'exigentia', meaning 'requirement' or 'demand'.
  • The term has evolved through Middle English, showing how languages change over time.
  • Related to the verb 'exigere', meaning 'to demand' or 'to drive out'.

The word 'exigence' has its roots in the Latin term 'exigentia,' which translates to 'necessity' or 'urgency.' The Latin word is derived from 'exigere,' meaning 'to demand or require.' The term made its way into Middle French as 'exigence' before entering the English language around the late 19th century. 'Exigence' has been employed in various fields, including literature and rhetoric, to express the need for action or response in particular situations. Over time, it evolved to embody not just the concept of urgency but also the underlying motives that compel individuals or groups to address specific issues.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,136, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.