Predate: meaning, definitions and examples

🦁
Add to dictionary

predate

 

[ˈpriː.deɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

intransitive

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

Synonyms

antecede, forego, precede.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
predate

Note: This word appeared twice in your list. It has the same meaning and context as described above.

  • These fossils predate the dinosaurs.
  • This tradition predated the arrival of Europeans.
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.

  • A good introduction should precede the main body of the essay.
  • Thunder often precedes lightning during a storm.
antecede

Use 'antecede' in formal or academic writing to indicate that something came before something else in time or order.

  • The Victorian era anteceded the Edwardian era.
  • Her tenure in office anteceded that of her successor.
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.

  • The events that forego this chapter are crucial for understanding the story.
  • Many customs we observe today forego the modern age.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
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.

  • Many people hunt deer during the hunting season.
  • Lions hunt in packs to take down large prey.
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'.

  • The hunter killed a bear in the mountains.
  • Pollution is killing many fish in the rivers.
capture

Used to describe the act of catching an animal, person, or object, often involving a strategy or tools.

  • The researchers captured the rare bird for study.
  • The police successfully captured the fugitive.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
predate

Used when referring to an animal that hunts other animals for food.

  • The lion and tiger predate on smaller animals.
  • Sharks predate on fish and seals.
predator

Usually describes an animal that naturally preys on others. Can also be used metaphorically for people or entities that exploit others.

  • Wolves are natural predators of deer.
  • In the business world, some companies are seen as predators, taking over smaller competitors.
hunter

Refers to a person or animal that hunts animals, usually for food or sport.

  • The hunter tracked the deer through the forest.
  • Owls are nocturnal hunters, primarily searching for mice at night.
killer

Often used to describe someone or something that causes death, can have a negative connotation. Can refer to both humans and animals.

  • The police are searching for the killer.
  • The killer whale is one of the ocean's top predators.

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

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.