prerequisite

[pri-rek-wuh-zit, pree-]

adjective

1. required beforehand.

   a prerequisite fund of knowledge.

noun

1. something prerequisite.

   A visa is still a prerequisite for travel in many countries.

   Synonyms: precondition, essential, requisite, requirement

prerequisite

/ priːˈrɛkwɪzɪt /

adjective

1. required as a prior condition

noun

1. something required as a prior condition

Word History and Origins

Origin of prerequisite¹

First recorded in 1625–35; pre- + requisite

Example Sentences

After two years, students who entered the program having already fulfilled all of their general education prerequisites graduate with an associate’s of science degree in animal care and training.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She is in her second semester at Riverside City College, where she is taking prerequisite courses to pursue a nursing career.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Public safety is really the prerequisite for success or failure."

Read more on BBC

The perceived bias of a reporter or organization is not a prerequisite for answering questions or entertaining them.

Read more on Salon

Though they offer different solutions, the populism of both the left and the right is responding to the erosion of the social and economic prerequisites for democracy and the rule of law in this country.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• essential 
• must 
• precondition 
• qualification 
• requirement 
• requisite