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

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

He understood that success on the battlefield is a prerequisite to lasting peace.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

At the last G7 meeting, held in Canada in June, the group's member states and Australia decided to collaborate on establishing benchmarks that are "prerequisites for the development of quantum technologies".

Read more on Barron's

Mokyr, 79, won one half of the prize "for having identified the prerequisites for sustained growth through technological progress", the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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