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Predate: meaning, definitions and examples

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predate

 

[ ˈpriː.deɪt ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

intransitive

To exist or occur before something else; to precede in time.

Synonyms

antecede, forego, precede

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.
Context #2 | Verb

transitive

To prey upon; to hunt or kill for food.

Synonyms

capture, hunt, kill

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.
Context #3 | Noun

archaic

A predator or an animal that preys on others.

Synonyms

hunter, killer, predator

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

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

Etymology

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See also: antedated, backdate, dated, dating, outdate, outdated.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,305, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.