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Definition of preexist

preexist

/ˌpriːɪɡˈzɪst/
pre · ex · ist
Adjective:preexistent
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Past Simple:preexisted
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Past Participle:preexisted
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Present Participle:preexisting
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preexist Lexical Profile

preexist Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To exist before something else or prior to a particular time or event.

Example

"Archaeological evidence proves that indigenous settlements preexisted the arrival of European explorers by thousands of years."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for preexist

• Nearby Words

preen
preenrollment
preestablish
preexist
preexistent
preexisting
prefab

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century from the prefix 'pre-' (meaning 'before') and the verb 'exist', ultimately from Latin 'exsistere' (to stand forth or appear).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preexist. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preexist
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