Predate: meaning, definitions and examples
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predate
[ ˈpriː.deɪt ]
intransitive
To exist or occur before something else; to precede in time.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Archaeological evidence suggests that humans predated the arrival of agriculture.
- The fossil record shows that certain species of dinosaurs predated others by millions of years.
transitive
To prey upon; to hunt or kill for food.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The big cat predated upon the smaller animals in the forest.
- The wolves predated the herd of deer, picking off the weakest members.
Translations
Translations of the word "predate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 anteceder
🇮🇳 पूर्ववर्ती होना
🇩🇪 vorangehen
🇮🇩 mendahului
🇺🇦 передувати
🇵🇱 poprzedzać
🇯🇵 先行する
🇫🇷 précéder
🇪🇸 preceder
🇹🇷 önce gelmek
🇰🇷 앞서다
🇸🇦 سبق
🇨🇿 předcházet
🇸🇰 predchádzať
🇨🇳 先于
🇸🇮 predhoditi
🇮🇸 koma á undan
🇰🇿 алдын ала
🇬🇪 წინ უსწრებდა
🇦🇿 öncə olmaq
🇲🇽 preceder
Word origin
The word 'predate' originated from the Latin word 'praedari', meaning 'to plunder' or 'to rob'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the meanings of existing before, as well as hunting or preying upon. The usage of 'predate' has been recorded in English since the 16th century, with its dual meanings reflecting the dual nature of the word itself.
See also: antedated, backdate, dated, dating, outdate, outdated.