Predate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฆ
predate
[หpriห.deษชt ]
Definitions
intransitive
To exist or occur before something else; to precede in time.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| predate |
Note: This word appeared twice in your list. It has the same meaning and context as described above.
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| precede |
Use 'precede' when you want to talk about something that comes before something else in time, order, or importance. It is widely used in both spoken and written English.
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| antecede |
Use 'antecede' in formal or academic writing to indicate that something came before something else in time or order.
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| forego |
Use 'forego' in literary or formal contexts to express that something came earlier or before in terms of order or sequence, often seen in historical writings.
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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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| predate |
Repeated entry; already described. |
| hunt |
Refers to the act of searching for and pursuing animals to catch or kill, often for food or sport.
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| kill |
Indicates the act of causing the death of a living being. The word often has a more direct and sometimes negative connotation compared to 'hunt'.
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| capture |
Used to describe the act of catching an animal, person, or object, often involving a strategy or tools.
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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.
archaic
A predator or an animal that preys on others.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| predate |
Used when referring to an animal that hunts other animals for food.
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| predator |
Usually describes an animal that naturally preys on others. Can also be used metaphorically for people or entities that exploit others.
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| hunter |
Refers to a person or animal that hunts animals, usually for food or sport.
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| killer |
Often used to describe someone or something that causes death, can have a negative connotation. Can refer to both humans and animals.
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Examples of usage
- The predate lurked in the shadows, waiting for its next victim.
- In ancient folklore, the predate was a symbol of fear and death.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Predating events is crucial in archaeology, as it helps determine the timeline of human history.
- In geology, certain rock layers can predate others, revealing Earth's age and the life forms that existed long ago.
- In legal matters, contracts that predate an agreement may affect the validity of current arrangements.
Science
- In evolutionary biology, species can be said to predate others, indicating their emergence in the fossil record long before.
- The concept of predation in ecology describes how certain animals exist before others in a food chain, impacting ecosystem dynamics.
- Carbon dating can help scientists determine the age of artifacts, showing when something predates recorded history.
Literature
- In historical fiction, authors often create events that predate the main plot to enrich character backgrounds.
- Some poems reflect on predating experiences to tie into themes of nostalgia and loss.
- Classic literature frequently involves characters whose histories predate the narrative, shaping their motivations and actions.
Cultural Relevance
- Some traditions and cultural practices predate recorded history, showcasing the richness of human expression over time.
- Art movements often predate mainstream recognition, as many artists are not celebrated until years after their work evolves.
- Religion can involve beliefs or rituals that predate written texts, deepening their significance to followers.
Origin of 'predate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'praedatum', meaning 'given beforehand'.
- It first appeared in English in the early 20th century, expanding the language's ability to discuss time relationships.
- The prefix 'pre-' means 'before', while 'date' refers to a specific point in time.
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.