Latin · prefix
prae-
before, in front of
Forms
- prae-
- pre- — The usual English form, often transmitted through French.
Origin
Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *prai, ‘before,’ related to an older family of words for forward position.
Note
The same relationship can locate something earlier in time or ahead in space.
Words sharing this root
preachTo strongly urge others to follow religious or moral beliefs.preambleAn introductory statement before a document, speech, or main action.precautionAn action taken beforehand to reduce risk or harm.precedeTo come before something in time, order, or position.precedentAn earlier instance serving as a guide for what follows.preceptA rule or principle that guides behavior or thought.preceptorA person who teaches or supervises a learner.precinctA defined local area designated for a particular activity or administration.precipiceA dangerously steep cliff or its brink.precipitateA solid that separates from a solution, or to form such a solid.precipitateDone too quickly and without enough care.precipitateTo cause an event to happen suddenly or sooner than expected.precludeTo prevent something from happening or being possible.precocityUnusually early development, especially of intelligence or talent.precognitionSupposed knowledge of events before they happen.precursorSomething that comes before and helps lead to the development of something else.predecessorA person or thing that came before another in the same role or sequence.predestinationThe belief that events are determined in advance, especially by divine will.predicamentA difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.predicateTo base something on a condition or premise.predicateA property or relation asserted about a subject or argument.predicationA stated basis or condition for action or reasoning.predicationThe act of asserting something about a subject.predictTo say what is expected to happen.predictionA statement about what will happen or the act of making one.predictiveUsed to predict what is likely to happen or come next.predictorSomeone or something used to forecast an outcome.predilectionA strong liking or preference for something.predominantHaving the greatest presence or influence among others.predominateTo be the most common or influential.prefaceAn opening section or remarks that introduce what follows.prefectA person appointed to supervise a community or institution.preferTo like or choose one option more than another.preferenceFavoring one person or thing over alternatives.prefixAn element added at the beginning of a word or sequence, or the act of adding it.prehistoricBelonging to the period before written history.prejudgeTo form an opinion before having enough evidence or experience.prejudiceHarm to someone's legal rights or interests.prejudiceAn unfair preconceived opinion, or the act of creating one.prelateA high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a bishop.prelimA preliminary stage completed before the main activity.preliminaryPreceding or preparing for the main activity or final version.preludeAn introductory part that leads into something further.prematureOccurring earlier than the expected or appropriate time.premeditationPlanning or consideration before an action, especially a crime.premiseAn idea or assumption that provides the basis for something.premonitionA strong feeling that something, especially something bad, is going to happen.premonitoryGiving a warning or sign of something to come.preoccupationAbsorption in a concern that occupies much of one's attention.preparationThe act of making ready for an intended purpose.preparationA substance made for a specific use.preparatoryServing to prepare someone or something for a later activity or stage.prepareTo make someone or something ready.preponderanceA greater weight, amount, or influence that makes one side prevail.prepositionA word, such as in or with, that shows how a noun phrase relates to another part of a sentence.preposterousSo unreasonable as to be ridiculous.prerogativeA right or power belonging exclusively to a particular person or group.presageA sign of a future event, or to serve as such a sign.prescienceKnowledge of events before they happen.prescientKnowing or showing knowledge of events before they happen.prescribeTo authoritatively specify an action or course to follow.prescriptionAn authorized written direction for medical treatment.prescriptiveLaying down an authoritative requirement for action.presentimentA feeling that something, often unpleasant, is about to happen.preservationThe act of keeping something safe from damage, decay, or loss.preservativeA substance or quality that prevents spoilage, decay, or loss.preserveTo protect something from loss, damage, or deterioration.presideTo lead or oversee an event, organization, or activity.presidentThe chief officer of a country or organization.presidiumA group that governs an organization or presides over a meeting.prestoAt a very fast tempo in music.prestoUsed to announce a sudden or magical-looking result.presumeTo act beyond what one has the right or permission to do.presumeTo accept something as true without definite proof.presumptionBehavior showing arrogant boldness or unjustified confidence.presumptionAn assumption accepted as true without direct proof.presumptiveBased on reasonable expectation rather than certainty.presumptuousToo bold or self-assured without proper permission or respect.presupposeTo assume something is true or necessary in advance.presuppositionAn assumption taken for granted before reasoning or speaking.pretendActing as if something imagined or untrue were real.pretenseA false or exaggerated display meant to create a particular impression.pretensionAn exaggerated or unjustified claim to importance or ability.pretentiousTrying to seem more important, cultured, or impressive than is justified.pretextA false reason given to hide the real motive.prevailTo hold or gain a dominant position.prevalenceThe extent to which something is common or present in a population.prevalentCommonly found or occurring.prevaricationSpeech that deliberately avoids telling the truth.preventTo stop something from happening or someone from doing something.preventionThe act or process of stopping something from happening.previousExisting or occurring before the current one.provostA senior official governing an institution or community.provostAn officer responsible for military policing.