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Synonyms

prehuman

American  
[pree-hyoo-muhn, -yoo-] / priˈhju mən, -ˈju- /

adjective

  1. preceding the appearance or existence of human beings.

    the prehuman ages.

  2. of or relating to a human prototype.


noun

  1. a prehuman animal.

Etymology

Origin of prehuman

First recorded in 1835–45; pre- + human

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Since its inception over a century ago, the conservation movement has been plagued by a conviction that "real" nature possesses a kind of "prehuman purity," they write.

From Salon May 24, 2022

“Germs of disease have taken toll of humanity since the beginning of things – taken toll of our prehuman ancestors since life began here.”

From Fox News Apr. 12, 2020

One of her first childhood stories was a fable about a fantastical prehuman era in which animals built an advanced civilization, but then destroyed it—along with their ability to speak—in a war.

From The New Yorker Jan. 20, 2020

Modern scientific renditions of the prehuman world might seem far more careful and realistic.

From The Guardian Feb. 17, 2011

His prehuman name was the Logos, which is translated in our common version Bible "the Word".

From The Harp of God by Rutherford, J. F. (Joseph Franklin)

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