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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

"Payment for the evaluation will not cover testimony as an expert witness," states a PRE contract reviewed by ProPublica.

From Salon • Oct. 4, 2022

Though it worked with Candid on its new definition, PRE has a definition of its own.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 15, 2021

“The plastics industry did not do enough to close the loop,” said PRE director Antonino Furfari.

From Reuters • Jun. 29, 2018

In its mission statement, PRE says it is dedicated to abolishing the prostitution altogether.

From Time • Sep. 1, 2015

“Elvira, Synode um 313,” in PRE, and the literature there cited.

From A Source Book for Ancient Church History by Ayer, Joseph Cullen