An entity is a term that designates any "thing" that possesses a distinct and identifiable existence, whether concrete, abstract, real, or conceptual. In its broadest sense, an entity is a being, an object, an organization, or a concept that can be recognized as an individual unit, separate from others. This existence does not necessarily depend on a physical form; ideas, feelings, organizations, and mathematical concepts are also considered entities, as they can be defined, described, and treated as subjects or objects of thought and action.

The characteristics that define an entity vary depending on the context in which the term is applied. In philosophy, an entity is often associated with the concept of "being," exploring questions about its existence, nature, and properties (ontology). In the field of information and databases, an entity is a fundamental object about which information is to be stored, such as a customer, a product, or an order. In this context, each entity is defined by a set of attributes or characteristics that describe it and uniquely distinguish it from other entities of the same type.

In short, the concept of entity is transversal to various areas of knowledge, serving as a pillar for the categorization and organization of reality and thought. Regardless of the field, the central notion remains the same: a singular unit, with its own identity and properties, which make it a focus of interest, analysis, or interaction.

Sources:

• AULETE, Caldas. Caldas Aulete Dictionary . Available at: https://www.aulete.com.br/entidade . Accessed on: June 19, 2025.
• PRIBERAM. Priberam Dictionary of the Portuguese Language . Available at: https://dicionario.priberam.org/entidade . Accessed on: June 19, 2025.
• CONCEPT.DE. Concept of Entity . Available at: https://conceito.de/entidade . Accessed on: June 19, 2025.