preexist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “preexist” mean?
To exist at an earlier time, or to exist before something else.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To exist at an earlier time, or to exist before something else.
In philosophy and theology, to exist before the current material existence, often referring to the soul or a state of being prior to birth or creation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The hyphenated form 'pre-exist' is slightly more common in British English, while 'preexist' (closed) is standard in American English.
Connotations
Identical. The word carries formal, technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specific registers.
Grammar
How to Use “preexist” in a Sentence
[Something] preexists[Something] preexists [Something else][Something] is preexistent to [Something else]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “preexist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Some philosophers believe the soul may pre-exist the body.
- The necessary infrastructure did not preexist the project's launch.
American English
- These fossils preexist the earliest known mammals.
- A valid permit must preexist construction.
adverb
British English
- The concept had pre-existently been formulated by earlier scholars.
American English
- The fault lines preexisted in the geological record.
adjective
British English
- The pre-existent conditions clause was examined by the tribunal.
- They studied pre-existent mythological themes.
American English
- The insurance didn't cover preexistent ailments.
- Preexistent data was overwritten during the merge.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'A signed agreement must preexist any disbursement of funds.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, theology, history, and cosmology. 'The study argues that these cultural motifs preexist the written record.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be replaced by simpler phrases like 'was there before'.
Technical
Used in law (preexisting conditions), medicine (preexisting illness), and software (preexisting data).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “preexist”
- Using it in casual conversation. Incorrectly hyphenating as 'pre-exist' in American formal writing. Using it as a noun ('a preexist').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are accepted, but the closed form 'preexist' is standard in American English, while British English more often uses the hyphen 'pre-exist'. Check your style guide.
It is very formal. In everyday speech, use phrases like 'exist before', 'was already there', or 'come before' instead.
A medical term for an illness or injury a person has before enrolling in a new health insurance policy. It was a major point of debate in healthcare reforms.
They are close synonyms. 'Predate' is more common and can be used for documents, events, and objects. 'Preexist' is more abstract, often used for concepts, souls, conditions, or necessary states.
To exist at an earlier time, or to exist before something else.
Preexist is usually formal, academic in register.
Preexist: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpriːɪɡˈzɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpriɪɡˈzɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PRE' (before) + 'EXIST' (to be). It's a simple compound: to 'pre-exist' is to 'exist before'.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (A thing exists in a time 'before' another). HIERARCHY/CAUSATION (For B to be, A must already occupy the 'space' of existence).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'preexist' MOST appropriately used?