Preexisted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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preexisted
[priหหษksษชstษชd ]
Definition
past existence
Preexisted refers to something that existed before a certain point in time, prior to another event or circumstance. This term is often used in philosophical, theological, or historical contexts to describe entities or concepts that are believed to have existed prior to a specific origin or creation. For example, in religious discussions, it may pertain to the existence of souls or divine beings before the creation of the universe. In legal contexts, it may refer to laws or rights that were in place before new legislation was enacted.
Synonyms
antedated, foregone, predated.
Examples of usage
- The concept of the universe preexisted the Big Bang theory.
- Many believe that the soul preexisted the physical body.
- Certain laws preexisted the establishment of the new government.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, preexistence often refers to the idea that the soul or consciousness existed before physical birth.
- Plato argued that knowledge is recollection of what the soul knew before it entered the body, emphasizing a form of preexistence.
Science
- In biology, certain species are said to have preexisted in the fossil record, indicating that they were present long before their relatives.
- The concept of preexisting conditions in medicine refers to health issues that existed before a specific health insurance coverage began.
Literature
- Writers often explore the idea of preexistence in fantasy fiction, where characters might have lived past lives that affect their current choices.
- Some biblical interpretations discuss the preexistence of Christ, suggesting he existed with God before his earthly life.
Cultural References
- In many indigenous cultures, there is a belief that ancestors and spirits preexisted in the land, influencing the present.
- Stories about reincarnation in various cultures often hinge on the idea that a person's essence preexisted before their latest life.
Origin of 'preexisted'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'praexistere', meaning 'to exist before' combining 'prae' for 'before' and 'existere' for 'to stand out or appear'.
- This term has roots that can be traced back to early texts discussing philosophy and existence.
The term 'preexisted' is derived from the Latin prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and the verb 'exist' which comes from the Latin 'existere,' meaning 'to stand out' or 'to become visible.' The usage of 'preexist' in English can be traced back to the early 19th century, denoting the idea of an existence prior to a specific event or time. It is frequently found in discussions involving metaphysics, where it emphasizes the continuity of existence beyond temporal boundaries. Over time, as philosophical inquiries expanded, the term gained relevance not only in philosophy but also in theology, science, and law. This reflects a broader understanding of existence that transcends the physical and temporal limitations often present in human experiences.