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predate Meaning & Definition

/ˈpɹiːˌdeɪt/

What Does Predate Mean?

As a verb, predate means To designate a date earlier than the actual one; to move a date, appointment, event, or period of time to an earlier point (contrast "postdate".). It is also used to mean To exist or to occur before something else; to antedate. As a noun, it means A publication, such as a newspaper or magazine, that is issued with a printed date later than the date of issue.

Predate in Brief

Part of speechverb, noun
Pronunciation//ˈpɹiːˌdeɪt//
Syllables1
Synonymsprecede, antedate and forego
Antonymsfollow, postdate and overdate
Pluralpredates
Verb formspredates, predating, predated

Predate Definition (Verb)

  1. To designate a date earlier than the actual one; to move a date, appointment, event, or period of time to an earlier point (contrast "postdate".)
  2. To exist or to occur before something else; to antedate.

    The Chinese use of Pascal's Triangle predates its discovery by Blaise Pascal.

Predate as a Noun

  1. A publication, such as a newspaper or magazine, that is issued with a printed date later than the date of issue.

Verb

  1. To prey upon something.

Synonyms of Predate

Predate synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Predate

Predate in a Sentence

The Chinese use of Pascal's Triangle predates its discovery by Blaise Pascal.

Word Forms & Grammar

predate (third-person singular simple present predates, present participle predating, simple past and past participle predated)

predate (plural predates)

Words That Rhyme With Predate

Origin of Predate

Origin 1: From pre- + date.

Origin 2: Back-formation from predation or predator.

How Do You Say Predate?

The standard pronunciation of predate is //ˈpɹiːˌdeɪt//, spoken in 1 syllable.

Common Questions About Predate

Is predate a verb or a noun?

Predate is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.

What is another word for predate?

Close synonyms of predate are precede, antedate and forego. See the full list of predate synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of predate?

The opposite of predate can be expressed with words like follow, postdate and overdate.

What is the plural of predate?

The plural of predate is predates.

What is the past tense of predate?

The past tense of predate is predated. The present participle is predating.

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