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pre-

1 American  
Also prae-
  1. 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,” “early,” “beforehand,” “before,” “in front of,” and with other figurative meanings (preschool; prewar; prepay; preoral; prefrontal ).


P.R.E. 2 American  

abbreviation

  1. Petroleum Refining Engineer.


pre- British  

prefix

  1. before in time, rank, order, position, etc

    predate

    pre-eminent

    premeditation

    prefrontal

    preschool

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pre-

< Latin prae-, prefixal use of prae (preposition and adv.); akin to first, fore-, prior 1, pro 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In addition to live broadcasts, the programming will include daily analysis, pre- and post-match shows, as well as original content on Peacock and Telemundo Deportes Ahora.

From Los Angeles Times

At the beginning of last season, Chelsea rested Palmer for their pre‑season tour of the USA, giving him the platform to start 36 Premier League matches during the 2024‑25 campaign.

From BBC

Chelsea delayed the start of pre‑season training but ultimately had only 35 days, the club's shortest ever break between seasons and two days fewer than the Covid‑affected 2019‑20 and 2020‑21 cycles.

From BBC

It led to a 336‑day season for Palmer, despite him being afforded time off during pre‑season.

From BBC

This was obviously pre–Civil War, and I stank at pre–Civil War simulations as a general rule.

From Literature