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.
プラトンの哲学では、魂の先在が説かれている。
In Plato's philosophy, the pre-existence of the soul is argued.
キリスト教の一部の教派では、キリストの先在を信じている。
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.