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Predated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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predated

[prɪˈdeɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

time relationship

To predates means to exist or occur before something else in time. This term is often used in historical, archaeological, and literary contexts to indicate that one event or object is older than another. For instance, a fossil may predate the appearance of a particular species. The concept of predating can also apply to documents, structures, or even cultural practices, highlighting their chronological precedence. It is a way to signify that something is historically significant because it came before something that followed.

Synonyms

antedate, foredate, preexist.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient ruins predate the discovery of history.
  • His theories predate the modern scientific methods.
  • The settlement predated all known civilizations in the area.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In archaeology, certain fossils or artifacts are often found that predate written history, helping us understand ancient life.
  • Predation in ecosystems refers to the relationship where one organism predated another, essential for food webs.
  • In historical events, new discoveries often predate what was previously thought to be the first occurrence.

Literature

  • Many classic novels explore themes where characters' past actions predate their present circumstances, impacting their stories.
  • In literature, foreshadowing can involve events that predate the main story, creating suspense for the reader.
  • Several historical fiction works utilize plots that involve characters predated by actual events, mixing fact with fiction.

Science

  • In paleontology, certain species of dinosaurs are now known to have predated others, challenging previous timelines.
  • Predation relationships in ecological studies show how certain species evolved before their predators, reshaping our understanding of evolution.
  • Research indicates that certain geological formations predated significant climate changes, affecting life on Earth.

Cultural Insights

  • Some cultures and traditions predate recorded history, relying on oral storytelling to pass down knowledge.
  • Religious practices in various cultures often predate their written texts, highlighting the importance of tradition over documentation.
  • Art forms like cave paintings are estimated to predate many known civilizations, showcasing early human creativity.

Origin of 'predated'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'pre-' comes from Latin, meaning 'before'.
  • The word 'date' originated from Latin 'data', which refers to an appointed time or a specific event.
  • The combination indicates events or things that occurred before a specific time frame.

The term 'predate' is derived from the Latin prefix 'pre-', meaning 'before', combined with the verb 'date', which originates from Old French 'dater', itself from Latin 'data', meaning 'given'. The use of 'predate' in English can be traced back to the 19th century, where it began to appear in discussions related to historical chronology. The concept of pre-existing or occurring prior to something else has always been relevant in various fields, including archaeology, history, and science. It serves as a crucial point of reference to establish timelines and understand the evolution of concepts, species, and cultures. Over time, the usage of 'predate' has broadened, and it is frequently employed in both academic and everyday language to denote the relationship of precedence in time.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,231, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.