Preexistence: meaning, definitions and examples
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preexistence
[ priːɪɡˈzɪstəns ]
philosophical concept
Preexistence refers to the state of existing before a particular time or event, often in contexts related to theology and philosophy. It encompasses the belief that souls exist before physical birth or that certain concepts or truths existed prior to their manifestation in the world.
Synonyms
antecedence, forethought, prior existence.
Examples of usage
- The concept of preexistence is discussed in many religious texts.
- She believes in the preexistence of the soul.
- The discussion of preexistence raises important philosophical questions.
- Many philosophers have debated the idea of preexistence.
Translations
Translations of the word "preexistence" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pré-existência
🇮🇳 पूर्व अस्तित्व
🇩🇪 Präexistenz
🇮🇩 praeksistensi
🇺🇦 попереднє існування
🇵🇱 preegzystencja
🇯🇵 先存在
🇫🇷 préexistence
🇪🇸 preexistencia
🇹🇷 önce varlık
🇰🇷 선재 존재
🇸🇦 الوجود السابق
🇨🇿 předexistence
🇸🇰 predexistencia
🇨🇳 先存
🇸🇮 preexistenca
🇮🇸 fyrirframandi
🇰🇿 алдынғы болмыс
🇬🇪 წინარე არსებობა
🇦🇿 əvvəlcədən varlıq
🇲🇽 preexistencia
Etymology
The term 'preexistence' comes from the combination of the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and the word 'existence,' which stems from the Latin 'existere' meaning 'to stand out' or 'to emerge.' The concept has roots in ancient philosophical traditions, particularly in discussions surrounding the nature of the soul and existence. It has been notably present in various religious doctrines, including Christianity, where it is associated with the belief that Christ and the soul preexist their earthly forms. The extent of its usage in philosophical context varied across different historical periods, reflecting the evolving thoughts on existence, time, and the divine.