The words extinct and extant look very similar, which might make us think they are synonyms. However, they are not synonyms—they are actually opposites.
Let's see what our dictionaries say:-
Extinct (adj.)
Extinct means something that is no longer exist or active; a species, family, or group that has died out completely.
- Dinosaurs are extinct, they no longer exist.
- The old volcano is now extinct.
Extant (adj.)
Extant means something that is in existence. Something that is not destroyed or lost.
- One of the oldest buildings still extant.
- The coelacanth, once thought extinct, is an extant fish species.
Difference between extinct and extant.
Extinct is something that is no more in this world.
Extant is something that is still alive in this world.
Trick to memorize:
The word "extinct" comes from "extinguere" that means to kill or destroy. The words extinct and extinguish look very similar—both contain 'extinct.' By thinking of extinguish (which means 'to put out or destroy'), we can remember that extinct refers to something that no longer exists because it has been wiped out."
Extant comes from ex- 'out' + stare 'to stand'.
"Ex" means out + "tant" is for stand; hence extant means something that stands out or still alive.
In a nutshell
Extinct = Gone forever.
Extant = Still living today.
Books on Grammar:
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