extant
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “extant” mean?
adjective.still in existence; surviving.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages related to history, biology, or literature, emphasizing the survival or persistence of certain species, artifacts, or ideas over time. It suggests a contrast with extinction or obsolescence, highlighting the rarity and significance of what remains, unlike synonyms like "existing," which lack the nuance of survival amidst potential disappearance.
Common Confusions
Extant implies surviving or still in existence despite potential extinction, while existing usually suggests merely being present without the implication of survival or rarity.
Do not choose extant if the context emphasizes absence or extinction rather than being still in existence or surviving.
Example Sentences
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Only three extant copies of the original manuscript exist.