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Prehistory: meaning, definitions and examples

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prehistory

 

[ priหหˆhษชstษ™ri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historical study

Prehistory refers to the period of human history before recorded events, facts, or written documentation. It covers the time from the first use of tools by hominins to the development of writing systems. This era is significant for understanding the origins of human societies and cultures. Archaeology plays a crucial role in uncovering the artifacts and evidence of prehistorical life, allowing us to piece together the lifestyles and environments of early humans.

Synonyms

ancient times, early history, primal age

Examples of usage

  • The discovery of ancient tools sheds light on prehistory.
  • Archaeologists are studying the prehistory of this region.
  • Many significant events occurred during prehistory.
  • Understanding prehistory helps us appreciate modern civilizations.

Translations

Translations of the word "prehistory" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น prรฉ-histรณria

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคพเค—เฅˆเคคเคฟเคนเคพเคธเคฟเค•เคคเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Vorgeschichte

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pra-sejarah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะฐั–ัั‚ะพั€ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ prehistoria

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ…ˆๅฒๆ™‚ไปฃ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท prรฉhistoire

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ prehistoria

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tarih รถncesi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ ์‚ฌ ์‹œ๋Œ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุง ู‚ุจู„ ุงู„ุชุงุฑูŠุฎ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prehistorie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prehistรณria

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฒๅ‰ๆ—ถๆœŸ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ predzgodovina

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ forsaga

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟั€ะฐะธัั‚ะพั€ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ แƒ”แƒ˜แƒกแƒขแƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ prap tarix

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ prehistoria

Word origin

The term 'prehistory' is derived from the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before', and 'history', which comes from the Ancient Greek word 'historia', meaning 'inquiry' or 'knowledge acquired by investigation'. This concept emerged in the early 19th century as scholars began to recognize the need for a distinct period in human development before written records were available. Prehistory encompasses a vast timeline, usually subdivided into the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age, each marking significant technological and cultural advancements in human history. The study of prehistory relies heavily on archaeological excavations and radiocarbon dating techniques to provide insights into early human activities, such as hunting, gathering, and the establishment of settlements. The discipline continues to evolve with new discoveries and advancements in technology, reshaping our understanding of our distant past.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,626, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.