preexist

Or pre-ex·ist

[pree-ig-zist]

verb (used without object)

1. to exist beforehand.

2. to exist in a previous state.

verb (used with object)

1. to exist prior to (something or someone else); precede.

   primitive artifacts that preexisted sophisticated tools.

Other Word Forms

• preexistence noun
• preexistent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preexist¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; pre- + exist

Example Sentences

We come to the film with so much preexisting affection for Farrell and Robbie that it’s a shock when their characters kiss and we realize they’ve got no chemistry.

From Los Angeles Times

Baldoni's attorney said on Thursday that she requested an agreement to take Swift's deposition in late October due to the singer's "preexisting professional obligations".

From BBC

As secretary of HHS, he has defunded mRNA research, limited COVID-19 shots to the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions, and pledged to reveal a link between vaccines and autism.

From Los Angeles Times

To Jake Scott, an infectious disease expert at Stanford Medical School who painstakingly examined the agency’s data citations, they point to “textbook confirmation bias”—the quest for information that confirms someone’s preexisting beliefs.

From Los Angeles Times

On Tuesday, a federal court hearing will unfold in a preexisting case that could result in some — but not all — UC grants being restored.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anticipate 
• foreshadow 
• predate 
• presage