noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
pre-existence
Primarily a technical term in philosophy and theology, referring to the existence of the soul or an entity before its current form. Not used in everyday conversation.
In Plato's philosophy, the pre-existence of the soul is argued.
Some Christian denominations believe in the pre-existence of Christ.
Composed of 先 (before) and 在 (exist). A Sino-Japanese compound likely coined to translate Western philosophical and theological concepts of pre-existence.