Predate: meaning, definitions and examples
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predate
[ˈpriː.deɪt ]
Definitions
intransitive
To exist or occur before something else; to precede in time.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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 |
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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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
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