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Prefigure: meaning, definitions and examples

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prefigure

 

[ ˈpriːfɪɡjər ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in art or literature

Prefigure means to represent or prefigure a future event before it happens. It can also mean to foreshadow or anticipate something.

Synonyms

anticipate, foreshadow, foretell, predict

Examples of usage

  • The painting prefigures the artist's later works.
  • Her dream prefigured the tragic events that were about to unfold.
  • The dark clouds prefigure a storm approaching.
Context #2 | Verb

figuratively

To prefigure can also mean to serve as a warning or indication of something to come.

Synonyms

forewarn, herald, indicate, signal

Examples of usage

  • The early signs prefigured the economic downturn.
  • His erratic behavior prefigures a more serious issue.

Translations

Translations of the word "prefigure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prefigurar

🇮🇳 पूर्वाभास करना

🇩🇪 vorausdeuten

🇮🇩 meramalkan

🇺🇦 передбачати

🇵🇱 przewidywać

🇯🇵 予示する (よじする)

🇫🇷 préfigurer

🇪🇸 prefigurar

🇹🇷 önceden belirtmek

🇰🇷 예시하다

🇸🇦 يستبق

🇨🇿 předznamenat

🇸🇰 predznamenať

🇨🇳 预示 (yùshì)

🇸🇮 vnaprej nakazati

🇮🇸 fyrirsegja

🇰🇿 болжамдау

🇬🇪 წინასწარ აღნიშვნა

🇦🇿 əvvəlcədən xəbər vermək

🇲🇽 prefigurar

Word origin

The word 'prefigure' originated from the Latin word 'praefigurare', which means 'to represent beforehand'. It has been used in English since the 15th century. The concept of prefiguring future events or outcomes has been a common theme in art, literature, and religion throughout history, often seen as a way to hint at what is to come.

See also: disfigure, figuration, figurative, figures, figurine, figurines, transfiguration.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,688 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.