prerequisite

American  

[pri-rek-wuh-zit, pree-] / prɪˈrɛk wə zɪt, pri- /

adjective

1. required beforehand.

   a prerequisite fund of knowledge.

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noun

1. something prerequisite.

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

   Synonyms:

   precondition, essential, requisite, requirement

prerequisite British  

/ priːˈrɛkwɪzɪt /

adjective

1. required as a prior condition

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noun

1. something required as a prior condition

Etymology

Origin of prerequisite

First recorded in 1625–35; pre- + requisite

Compare meaning

How does prerequisite compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• requisite vs. prerequisite

Example Sentences

He has long criticized the Fed’s political mission creep and understands stable prices are a prerequisite for broad-based prosperity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Today, earning at least six figures has become a prerequisite for most home buyers in the U.S.

From MarketWatch

He said understanding it is a prerequisite for success.

From The Wall Street Journal

Around 80 to 100 people apply to join the Sirius patrol each year, with the only prerequisite being completion of Denmark's basic military training.

From Barron's

Reliability isn’t a political preference; it is a prerequisite for modern life.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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