preexist

or pre-ex·ist

[ pree-ig-zist ]

/ ˌpri ɪgˈzɪst /

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See synonyms for: preexist / preexisting on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

to exist beforehand.

to exist in a previous state.

verb (used with object)

to exist prior to (something or someone else); precede: primitive artifacts that preexisted sophisticated tools.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of preexist

First recorded in 1590–1600; pre- + exist

OTHER WORDS FROM preexist

pre·ex·ist·ence, nounpre·ex·ist·ent, adjective

How to use preexist in a sentence

For if this formation means the formal proclamation or the recognition by other States, it surely does pre-exist.
The Reform of Education|Giovanni Gentile
But thought is always prior to the fact; all the facts of history pre-exist in the mind as laws.
Rough-Hewn|Dorothy Canfield
For all perfections found in creatures pre-exist in higher mode in God.
The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor
I would point out that in any case they did not pre-exist as signs.
Essays in Experimental Logic|John Dewey

Reality must pre-exist to every assertion for which truth is claimed.
Essays in Radical Empiricism|William James