Exigent
Word of the Day
What is Exigent?
adjective
Pressing; demanding immediate action.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to sharpen the language of triage and priority.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
Exigent circumstances justified the warrantless entry.
The ICU triages the most exigent cases first.
Her standards were as exigent as they were fair.
Word Origins
Latin exigere “to drive out, demand”
Shares a root with “exacting.”
First appearance in English: late Middle English
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Adjective:
Exacting clients expect precision.
-
Noun:
In exigency, decisions must be swift.
-
Noun:
Urgency trumped ceremony.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: apremiante / urgente
- French: exigeant / urgent
- German: dringend / anspruchsvoll
- Italian: impellente / esigente
- Portuguese: urgente / exigente
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Urgent
Everyday term; “exigent” is formal and exacting.
Acute
Sharp and sudden; exigent stresses demand.
Pressing
Similar, slightly softer register.
Fun Facts
- “Exigent” once meant “exactly demanding,” now often “urgent.”
- Project managers sometimes mark “P0” for exigent issues.
Cultural Usage
- Courts recognize “exigent circumstances” exceptions.
- Crisis playbooks elevate exigent tickets to top priority.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with “existing”; unrelated.
Micro Story
Given the exigent risks, the team activated the plan.