Word
coexist
Phoneticsco·ex·ist, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkoʊəɡˈzɪst/
UK/kˌəʊɛɡzˈɪst/
Definition
v. to live or exist in the same place at the same time without fighting or causing problems.
v. to exist together at the same time or in the same place, especially in a state of mutual tolerance or peace.
Examples
“Different species of birds coexist peacefully in this forest.”
“The two political parties must find a way to coexist if the new government is to function effectively.”
“Historians often study how diverse religious groups managed to coexist within the empire for centuries despite significant cultural and theological differences.”
Examples
simple
“Different species of birds coexist peacefully in this forest.”
contextual
“The two political parties must find a way to coexist if the new government is to function effectively.”
complex
“Historians often study how diverse religious groups managed to coexist within the empire for centuries despite significant cultural and theological differences.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive and frequently takes the preposition 'with'.
Real-World Examples
“When two communities with different languages need to communicate to trade or simply coexist, a simplified version of language emerges known as a pidgin.” “The past whispers to the present; the dead and living coexist.” Etymology
From co- + exist. Compare Latin coexsistō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/coexist