predate

American  

[pree-deyt] / ˈpriˈdeɪt /

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.

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predate British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of predate

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

Example Sentences

The Dow might have all the unusual markings of an index that predates computers, cable news and even the existence of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Mr. Polito reserves all his negativity for the period that predates his study.

From The Wall Street Journal

Older residents dispute this, saying the settlement predates modern Lagos, and they have what they call a customary right to it.

From BBC

Tiger Global said its Flipkart investments predated the change and, therefore, qualified for the exemption.

From BBC

Haute Couture predates ready-to-wear fashion, which is industrially produced clothing in large quantities.

From Barron's

Related Words

• anticipate
• foreshadow
• outrank
• presage