The meaning of PRE- is earlier than : prior to : before. How to use pre- in a sentence.

Mar 17, 2025 · Before; earlier in time; beforehand. This prefix is usually prefixed to words without using a hyphen (for example, prefix, predate). A hyphen is used in the following cases:

(Definition of pre-from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Pre- definition: a prefix occurring originally in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “before” (preclude; prevent ); applied freely as a prefix, with the meanings “prior to,” “in advance of,” …

a prefix, occurring orig. in loanwords from Latin, meaning “before, in front of,” “prior to, in advance of,” “surpassing” (predict; preeminent; preface; premaxilla); in English, esp. productive in …

Where does the prefix pre- come from? pre- is a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin prae-, pre-.

Pre-is used to form words that indicate that something takes place before a particular date, period, or event.

Pre- definition: Anterior; in front of.

pre-, prefix. pre- comes from Latin, where it has the meaning "before, in front of,'' "prior to, in advance of,'' "being more than, surpassing'': pre- + -dict → predict (= say in advance of …

Originating from Latin prae via Old French and Medieval Latin, this word-forming element means "before," derived from PIE *peri- indicating "forward" or "in front...