Definition

Existing before a certain time or event; something that was already there before something else happened.

Example

The concept of a preexistent soul is found in various philosophical traditions.

Conversation

Did you know that some theories suggest that our universe has a preexistent state before the Big Bang?

Really? I hadn’t heard that before, it sounds fascinating!

Yeah, it makes you wonder what was there before everything we know.

Exactly! It's like contemplating the mysteries of existence itself.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Preexistent → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "existere" (meaning to exist). The word "preexistent" refers to something that exists before a certain point in time or before something else occurs.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'exists before' ('pre-') another event or time — that's what preexistent means.

Visually Confused Words