preexisting
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /priˈɛzɪstɪŋ/
KK: /priˈɛksɪstɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Something that was already in place or present before a certain time or event.
Example
The preexisting conditions made it difficult for the doctors to find a suitable treatment.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new project at work?
Yeah, I heard it's built on some preexisting frameworks.
That makes sense; it should save us a lot of time then.
Absolutely! Using preexisting resources is a smart move.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
prior
previous
existing
Antonyms
new
novel
recent
verb
Definition
To exist before a certain time or event.
Example
The preexisting conditions made it difficult for the doctors to treat the patient effectively.
Tense Forms
Past: preexisted
Past Participle: preexisted
Conversation
Did you know that some species have been preexisting for millions of years?
Really? That's fascinating to think about!
Yeah, it makes you wonder how they survived all this time.
Root Explanation
Preexisting → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "existing" (from the Latin "existere", meaning to stand out or to be). The word "preexisting" refers to something that exists before a certain point in time or event.
Memory Tip
Think of something that 'exists' ('existing') 'before' ('pre-') a certain time — that's what preexisting means.
Visually Confused Words
resisting