Quaesitum

Quaesitum

kwēˈsītəm

Noun

  • Something sought or required.

Get a new word in your inbox every day.

By subscribing you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Example Sentences

“The quaesitum to my problems seems to come after some quiet meditation.”

“No matter how confounding the case, Sherlock Holmes always finds the quaesitum.”

“I don’t know my quaesitum yet in going back to school, but I feel drawn to a different path.”

Word Origin

Latin, mid-17th century

Why this word?

The noun “quaesitum” originates from the Latin word “quaesītum,” or “to seek.” It’s human nature to seek out meaning in life. American philosopher William James addressed this in a lecture called “Pragmatism” (which itself means “an approach that assesses the truth of meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application”). On the search for “quaesitum,” he said, “You want a system that will combine both things, the scientific loyalty to facts and willingness to take account of them, the spirit of adaptation and accommodation, in short, but also the old confidence in human values and the resultant spontaneity, whether of the religious or of the romantic type. And this is then your dilemma: You find the two parts of your quaesitum hopelessly separated.”

  • More brands you’ll love

    Elevate Your Everyday

    More brands you’ll love

    Elevate Your Everyday

    Subscribe to Better Report to receive tips and tricks that will save you money, maximize your time, and improve your life.

    Subscribe to Better Report
    By clicking “Subscribe” you’re agreeing to Better Report Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Learn a new word Soigné

swänˈyā