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Glite Dictionary
preincarnate

preincarnate

9.9
Existing before being born into a body
  • adjective
  • /priːˈɪnˌkɑrnɪt/
translation icon : preencarnado
  • The doctrine discusses the preincarnate existence of Christ.

Examples

  • Some theologians debate the nature of a being's preincarnate state.

  • The story explores the hero's memories from his preincarnate life.

  • The concept of a preincarnate soul has fascinated philosophers for centuries.

  • Many religions believe in preincarnate beings that guide humans.

  • Many religious texts discuss the concept of the preincarnate state of souls before their earthly existence.

  • Some believe that their loved ones existed in a preincarnate form before being born into this world.

  • Philosophers often debate about the nature of consciousness in its preincarnate phase.

Synonyms

preexistent
vspreincarnate
1 7.6

Present before something else happens

is limited to existing before taking on a bodily form
prevenient
vspreincarnate
  • Formal
1 9.9

Happening before something else

is about existing before taking on a bodily form not anticipating an event
premortal
vspreincarnate
  • Specialized
9.9

Relates to a life believed to exist before birth

is about existing before taking on a bodily form rather than before birth
pre-existent
vspreincarnate
6.8

Present before something else happened

is specifically about existing before taking on a bodily form

Surface Forms

preincarnate positive

Morphology

preincarnate = incarnate (transparent) = pre + incarnate

Given the adjective 'incarnate', the prefix 'pre-' straightforwardly yields the meaning 'existing before becoming incarnate'.

Etymology

Preincarnate is made of pre- meaning 'before' and incarnate, which comes from carne meaning 'flesh' or 'body'. So, preincarnate means 'existing before taking on a body', as when people talk about a being's life before birth.