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• pre-
  pre-

  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.
  P.R.E.

  abbreviation

  Petroleum Refining Engineer.

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 ).

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P.R.E. ² American  

abbreviation

1. Petroleum Refining Engineer.

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pre- British  

prefix

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

   predate

   pre-eminent

   premeditation

   prefrontal

   preschool

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Etymology

Origin of pre-

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

Example Sentences

Three hours might seem a stretch for this subject, but with the Walden period bookended by the lesser known pre- and post-Walden years, it stays interesting all along.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The IRS limit on total pre- and post-tax contributions is about $75,000, so I have been working the last few years to pad our Roth savings.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

The directives require enhanced monitoring of the individuals’ general health and well-being to ensure appropriate pre- and/or postnatal and other medical and mental health care.

From Slate • Dec. 8, 2025

“For example, organizations would be well-served to conduct both pre- and post-award due diligence on the activities of their grantees, funders, fiscal sponsors and partners.”

From Salon • Nov. 21, 2025

I lay awake savoring it, every moment pre- cious as a jewel.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss