preexisting

USAGE SUMMARY

'preexisting' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something that existed before a particular point in time. For example: "The students had to take a test that assessed their preexisting knowledge of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This, along with the prohibitions on denying coverage to people with preexisting conditions, would prevent insurers from profiting by cherry-picking the healthiest subscribers.

The Economist

They would have to accept anybody and promise unconditional renewal, regardless of preexisting medical conditions or other factors that might put people at higher risk of getting sick.

The Economist

Even when they do, the ideologically-motivated rich are limited by the menu of preexisting organisations, prevailing ideas, and the supply of ideologically congenial labour.

The Economist

The authors suggest that by "clandestinely recruiting or hiring prominent bloggers or other persons of prominence...to pass the U.S. message", Pentagon spinners can "make use of preexisting intellectual and social capital", though they note the danger of a profound negative backlash should such practices be disclosed.

The Economist

The detailed description of cell division was contributed by the German plant cytologist Eduard Strasburger, who observed the mitotic process in plant cells and further demonstrated that nuclei arise only from preexisting nuclei.

Britannica

New users can create profiles, upload photos, join a preexisting group, and start new groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The only change that occurs in the brain is a reorganization of preexisting neuronal networks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Preexisting crater rims have been disrupted into hills and fractures by the seismic process that created the terrain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Feather headdresses were collected for the king of Spain during the 18th century in the upper regions of the Amazon, documenting an art form that no doubt was preexisting and is known even today among Amazonian peoples.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It restricts that principle, however, in two ways: (1) Instead of asserting the existence of sets unconditionally, it can be applied only in conjunction with preexisting sets, and (2) only "definite" formulas may be used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Extraformational conglomerates and breccias, the coarse clastic sedimentary rocks derived by the weathering of preexisting rocks outside the depositional basin, are most important from the points of view of both volume and geologic significance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preexisting" to clearly indicate that something was already in place before a specific event, condition, or time. This avoids ambiguity and ensures precise communication.

Common error

Avoid using "preexisting" interchangeably with "preceding" when you specifically need to emphasize that something was already in existence, rather than just happening or coming before. "Preceding" simply indicates order, while "preexisting" indicates a prior state of being.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "preexisting" is that of an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that they existed before a specific time, event, or condition. As Ludwig indicates, it correctly modifies nouns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

31%

News & Media

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "preexisting" functions as an adjective that denotes something already in existence before a particular time or event. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable term. As identified through the examples, "preexisting" is prevalent in encyclopedic, scientific, and news contexts. Common usage includes describing conditions, knowledge, or structures that were present beforehand. Understanding the subtle distinctions from synonyms like "prior" or "preceding" allows for more precise and effective writing. When writing, remember that this term is prevalent in a neutral to formal register, so informal contexts may require a different choice of words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pre-existent

An alternative form, virtually interchangeable with "preexisting" but less common.

Previously existing

Similar in meaning but slightly more formal and verbose than "preexisting".

Prior

Emphasizes temporal precedence but is generally broader and less specific than "preexisting".

Existing beforehand

More descriptive and less concise than "preexisting", explicitly stating the concept of existing before.

Antecedent

Refers to something that precedes another, often used in formal or academic contexts.

Pre-dating

Highlights a timeline relationship; what happened before a specific event.

Original

Highlights the initial state or form, which may not always imply a continued existence up to the present.

Initial

Focuses on the beginning or start, without necessarily indicating that something was already present.

Long-standing

Indicates something has existed for a considerable time and is well-established, rather than just existing before something else.

Established

Stresses the fact that something already exists.

FAQs

How is "preexisting" used in a sentence?

The term "preexisting" is generally used as an adjective to describe a condition, state, or thing that existed before another specified event or time. For instance, "The insurance policy did not cover her preexisting medical conditions."

What are some alternatives to using "preexisting"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "prior", "previously existing", or "pre-existent" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "preexisting condition" or "existing condition"?

"Preexisting condition" is more specific, emphasizing that the condition existed before a particular event (like the start of an insurance policy). "Existing condition" simply states that the condition is currently present, without necessarily implying it was present earlier.

What's the difference between "preceding" and "preexisting"?

"Preceding" refers to something that comes before in order or time, while "preexisting" indicates that something already existed before a particular point. "Preceding" focuses on sequence, while "preexisting" focuses on prior existence.