priːɛɡzɪst

Definitions

1. verb

to exist before something else, especially a person or thing that has yet to be born or conceived

“According to the philosopher, the soul preexisted in a spiritual realm before being born into the physical world.”

2. verb

to have a prior existence or presence

“The concept of reincarnation suggests that souls preexist in a spiritual realm and are reborn into physical bodies.”

3. noun

a state or condition that existed before something else

“The preexistence of a moral framework is essential for understanding human behavior.”