coexist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “coexist” mean?
To exist together at the same time or in the same place, often referring to different groups, ideas, or things.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To exist together at the same time or in the same place, often referring to different groups, ideas, or things.
To exist in mutual tolerance despite fundamental differences, especially in social, political, or religious contexts; to live peacefully alongside others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more frequent in British political and social discourse regarding community relations.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “coexist” in a Sentence
coexist with [noun phrase][plural subject] coexist[noun phrase] and [noun phrase] coexistVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coexist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two communities have learnt to coexist peacefully.
- Modern architecture must coexist with the city's historic buildings.
American English
- Can traditional farming and new technology coexist?
- The treaty allowed the rival factions to coexist.
adverb
British English
- The species lived coexistingly in the same habitat.
- They worked coexistingly on the project.
American English
- The software programs ran coexistingly on the server.
- The ideas existed coexistingly in his philosophy.
adjective
British English
- The coexisting communities celebrated a joint festival.
- They maintained a coexistent but separate relationship.
American English
- The report examined coexisting economic systems.
- They reached a coexistent agreement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions on how competing technologies or market models can coexist.
Academic
Analysis of how different species coexist in an ecosystem, or how ideologies coexist in a society.
Everyday
Talking about neighbours, family members, or pets living together without trouble.
Technical
In computing, referring to different software systems or protocols operating in the same environment.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coexist”
- Using 'coexist together' (redundant).
- Using it for inanimate objects without implying a relationship of difference (e.g., 'The chair and table coexist in the room' sounds odd).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is commonly used for animals, plants, ideas, systems, and technologies as well.
Not necessarily. It often implies peaceful tolerance despite differences, which can be uneasy or fragile.
The noun form is 'coexistence' (e.g., 'peaceful coexistence').
No, it is redundant. The prefix 'co-' already means 'together,' so 'coexist' is sufficient.
To exist together at the same time or in the same place, often referring to different groups, ideas, or things.
Coexist is usually formal to neutral in register.
Coexist: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊ.ɪɡˈzɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊ.ɪɡˈzɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “coexist side by side”
- “an uneasy coexistence”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CO-' meaning 'together' and 'EXIST'. Picture two very different animals, like a lion and a lamb, living in the same space without fighting.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE IS SHARING A PHYSICAL SPACE WITHOUT CONFLICT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coexist' LEAST appropriate?