predate

[pree-deyt]

verb (used with object)

predated, predating 

1. to date before the actual time; antedate.

   He predated the check by three days.

2. to precede in date.

   a house that predates the Civil War.

predate

/ priːˈdeɪt /

verb

1. to affix a date to (a document, paper, etc) that is earlier than the actual date

2. to assign a date to (an event, period, etc) that is earlier than the actual or previously assigned date of occurrence

3. to be or occur at an earlier date than; precede in time

Word History and Origins

Origin of predate¹

First recorded in 1860–65; pre- + date ¹

Example Sentences

Because they predate written records of their use and were not known to exist until after the date of the Mary Rose’s sinking, the navigational instruments that were excavated are also extremely important.

Read more on Literature

Opening the trial on Tuesday, Mr Justice Johnson told jurors that the allegations they would consider predate Palestine Action's proscription under terrorism laws this June.

Read more on BBC

The changes predate Mr. Roberts but have accelerated on his watch.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Their set list spans their catalog but leans surprisingly on “Horn of Plenty,” those loose, bedroom-born sketches that predated any sense of grandeur.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The big declines in openings predate the chatbot’s rise in popularity.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• anticipate 
• foreshadow 
• outrank 
• presage