coexist
koh-eg-ZIST
/ˌkoʊɪɡˈzɪst/
To exist at the same time or in the same place; to live in peace with each other despite differences.
Implies a tolerance of differences. You don't have to love each other or be best friends to coexist; you simply manage not to destroy or harm one another.
The story behind the word. Formed by adding the Latin prefix 'co-' (together) to 'existere' (to exist). It gained popularity in the mid-20th century during the Cold War, when the term 'peaceful coexistence' was used to describe the capitalist and communist worlds living without war.
Word relationships
- live side-by-side: 'Live side-by-side' is more visual and informal; 'coexist' is more formal and carries a stronger philosophical weight of tolerance.
- clash: To come into violent conflict or incompatibility.
Commonly confused with
- cohabit: 'Cohabit' specifically means sharing a dwelling or home; 'coexist' is much broader, meaning to exist together in the same space, era, or ecosystem.
Word family
- coexistence (noun): The state of living or existing together in peace.
- coexistent (adjective): Existing at the same time or in the same place.
Collocations
- coexist peacefully
- ability to coexist
- forced to coexist
Example sentences
- "Although they had completely different political views, they managed to coexist peacefully in the shared house." Diverse roommates
- "The city park is a place where wildlife and urban development coexist." Nature and urbanization
Memory hook
Co-exist: To exist together in the same 'exit' or space. Co-exist: Existing together in peace.
When not to use
Do not use when describing a deeply integrated, highly cooperative relationship (use 'collaborate' or 'integrate' instead).
Fun facts
- The famous 'COEXIST' bumper sticker, which uses various religious symbols to spell out the word, was originally designed by Polish graphic designer Piotr Młodożeniec in 2001.
Explore more words
coexistence, tolerant, pluralism, multicultural, symbiotic, cohabit
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