preexist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“This right preexists government itself,” says D.C. attorney Stephen M. Kohn, who has represented whistleblowers for 35 years.

From Washington Post • Oct. 25, 2019

The Catholic Church provides a framework and structure for molding and enhancing that relationship but the faith itself preexists the four walls of a Church.

From New York Times • Oct. 22, 2018

Cause and effect, means and ends, seed and fruit, cannot be severed; for the effect already blooms in the cause, the end preexists in the means, the fruit in the seed.

From Essays — First Series by Emerson, Ralph Waldo

Our meaning is this: What we call goodness in creatures preexists in God in a far higher way.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 2 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright