Exigence

Exigence refers to an urgent need or demand that compels action or speech. It highlights the sense of urgency that precipitates a response, whether it be a written argument, a verbal defense, or a swift physical maneuver. It implies a pressing situation that requires immediate attention, often driving individuals or groups to react quickly. The concept underscores the situational factors, the particular context, and pressures influencing communication. It helps understand why certain words, actions, or arguments are produced and received with specific emotional weight or immediate response.

Exigence meaning with examples

• The politician felt the exigence of the public outcry after the scandal; a hasty press conference was immediately scheduled to address the accusations and attempt to quell further damage to her reputation. This immediate response was necessitated by the intense pressure and immediate demand to clarify the situation.
• The battlefield commander assessed the exigence of the troop's dwindling ammunition and the advancing enemy; he recognized the need to request urgent air support and evacuate the wounded, due to the gravity of the circumstances. The soldiers immediate request was due to the high stakes presented by the scenario.
• The editor understood the exigence of the breaking news story and immediately assigned reporters to cover the developing situation, knowing that the audience would be expecting immediate updates on the topic. The demand for the news to be covered was intense and required immediate efforts to fulfil their demands.
• The environmental scientist perceived the exigence of the climate crisis; she knew that the gravity of the situation required an urgent call for reducing carbon emissions to mitigate the adverse effects. This dire warning was delivered due to the immediate necessity to improve environmental practices for the sake of humanity.