Exigent

Adjective

Definition: pressing; demanding

Synonyms: Urgent, Critical, Crucial

Antonyms: Trivial, Unimportant, Nonessential

Examples:

The situation is quite exigent and requires immediate action.
The exigent nature of their work often led to high-stress situations.

Mnemonics:

Imagine someone urgently demanding your attention by saying "Exigent!".
Exigent sounds similar to emergency, emphasizing its pressing nature.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Old French 'exigent' or Latin 'exigent-' (stem of 'exigere') meaning "demand" or "enforce"

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the late 15th century and has maintained its meaning of "pressing; demanding" throughout its history.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Exigent circumstances"

Explanation:

Refers to situations that require immediate action or response, often related to emergency or crisis scenarios.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "exigent" with "urgent" or "critical."

Explanation:

While "exigent" is often used as a synonym for "urgent" or "critical," it specifically emphasizes a demanding nature and the need for immediate action or attention. It is important to understand this distinction and use the word accurately.