To exist together in the same place or time, especially peacefully despite differences. Often used in contexts of tolerance and mutual acceptance.
From Latin 'co-' (together) and 'existere' (to exist). The modern sense of peaceful coexistence, particularly between different groups or ideologies, developed in the 20th century during the Cold War era.
The bumper sticker spelling 'COEXIST' using religious symbols became an iconic plea for tolerance, but the word's power lies in its simplicity - it doesn't demand love or agreement, just the basic civility of sharing space. Ecologists use the term to describe species that share habitats without competing destructively.
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