pre-owned
Pre-owned (adjective) means Previously owned by someone else — second-hand — used especially by sellers of cars, watches and other goods where the word 'used' would sound off-putting. Example: “The dealership has forty pre-owned vehicles on the forecourt.”
How to Use Pre-owned
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSecond-hand.
Marketing language rather than plain description; buyers and reviewers tend to say used, while sellers say pre-owned. Widely regarded as a euphemism, though 'certified pre-owned' is a genuine technical category with defined inspection standards.
Pre-owned on its own means nothing more than used; only 'certified pre-owned' carries an inspection and warranty behind it.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dealership has forty _____ vehicles on the forecourt.
Etymology
From the prefix pre-, from Latin prae meaning 'before', plus owned, from Old English agnian meaning 'to possess'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related Words
Rhymes for pre-owned
See all rhymes for pre-owned →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pre-owned and used?
There is no difference in what the item is — both mean somebody owned it before you. Pre-owned is simply the flattering term sellers prefer, and it carries a hint that the goods are recent and in good condition, though nothing guarantees that unless the listing says certified.
What does certified pre-owned mean?
It means the manufacturer or an approved dealer has inspected the item against a published checklist, reconditioned anything failing it, and attached a warranty. Unlike plain pre-owned, it is a defined programme with standards you can look up, which is why certified stock costs more.
What is the difference between pre-owned and refurbished?
Pre-owned means used and sold broadly as-is. Refurbished means the item was returned or faulty, has been repaired and tested back to working order, and is resold — often by the manufacturer with a fresh short warranty.