Phrase guide

past life

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A previously lived life in a different body, according to theories of reincarnation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • She claims to have been Cleopatra and Marie Antoinette in past lives.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A former period of one's life.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • I was a computer programmer in a past life, but now I raise pigs and chickens.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Japanese: 前世 (zensei, zense) — life lived before reincarnation
  • Sikkimese: སྐུ་གོང་མོ (sku gong mo) — life lived before reincarnation