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

The announcement is one of the first under new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who moved from the Ministry of Justice during last week's reshuffle, though the reduction in licences predates her taking office.

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But the frustrations over the lack of a named point person far predate the recent crises.

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That research, which predates the fires, is now being tapped to meet the current crisis.

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I came here as a child and as I look around me now, I realize I have almost no memories that predate my arrival and few bonds of affection that cleave so tightly.

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And presenting Black characters whose family names predate the Declaration of Independence is practically unheard of.

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Related Words

• anticipate 
• foreshadow 
• outrank 
• presage