prerequisite

American  

[pri-rek-wuh-zit, pree-] / prɪˈrɛk wə zɪt, pri- /

adjective

1. required beforehand.

   a prerequisite fund of knowledge.

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noun

1. something prerequisite.

   A visa is still a prerequisite for travel in many countries.

   Synonyms:

   precondition, essential, requisite, requirement

prerequisite British  

/ priːˈrɛkwɪzɪt /

adjective

1. required as a prior condition

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noun

1. something required as a prior condition

Etymology

Origin of prerequisite

First recorded in 1625–35; pre- + requisite

Compare meaning

How does prerequisite compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• requisite vs. prerequisite

Example Sentences

Peek noted a certain equanimity and optimism in him, however: either a prerequisite for, or product of, his decades of studying the most brutal and destabilizing moments of other people’s lives.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bolen, who is publishing a book on aging, caregiving and creating family legacy, emphasized that estate planning and giving strategies should prioritize family harmony and care planning as prerequisites to financial gifts.

From MarketWatch

"The restoration of security is a prerequisite for holding the first round" of legislative and presidential elections, according to the council's president Jacques Desrosiers.

From Barron's

After two years, students who entered the program having already fulfilled all of their general education prerequisites graduate with an associate’s of science degree in animal care and training.

From Los Angeles Times

She is in her second semester at Riverside City College, where she is taking prerequisite courses to pursue a nursing career.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• essential
• must
• precondition
• qualification
• requirement
• requisite