prep
Very common
pre
PREE
Pre (prep) means Before a particular event or point in time (informal shorthand). Example: “We usually meet for a quick chat pre-match to plan our tactics.”
prep
1
Before a particular event or point in time (informal shorthand).
"We usually meet for a quick chat pre-match to plan our tactics."
"Let's get some food pre-show, because the theatre closes its cafe early."
"We're grabbing drinks pre-party at Jake's place."
How to use pre
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInformal shorthand for "before," often used casually in speech, as in "pre-game" or "pre-drinks."
When to use it
Very informal — mostly used as a standalone word in casual speech, not formal writing.
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We usually meet for a quick chat _____-match to plan our tactics.
Etymology
From Latin "prae," meaning "in front of" or "before" — the same root behind the prefix "pre-" in words like "prepare" and "preview."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “pre” mean?
The word “pre” means before a particular event or point in time (informal shorthand). In plain terms, informal shorthand for "before," often used casually in speech, as in "pre-game" or "pre-drinks.".
How do you pronounce “pre”?
“Pre” is pronounced PREE (/ˈpɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “pre” in a sentence?
Here is “pre” used in a sentence: “We're grabbing drinks pre-party at Jake's place.”
What part of speech is “pre”?
“Pre” is a preposition.
Where does the word “pre” come from?
The word “pre” comes from Latin. From Latin "prae," meaning "in front of" or "before" — the same root behind the prefix "pre-" in words like "prepare" and "preview.".
Is “pre” a common word?
“Pre” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'pre' and 'post'?
'Pre' means before something, while 'post' means after it. A pre-match interview happens before a game; a post-match interview happens after. Both usually attach to another word as prefixes, and together they neatly mark the time on either side of an event.
What does the prefix 'pre-' mean?
The prefix 'pre-' comes from Latin and means 'before' or 'in advance'. Added to a word, it places the action earlier in time: 'preheat' means to heat beforehand, 'prehistoric' means before recorded history, and 'preview' means to see something ahead of its release.
Is 'pre' a real word on its own?
'Pre' is mainly a prefix rather than a standalone word, so it normally attaches to another word with a hyphen, as in 'pre-order'. Using it alone as a preposition, as in 'pre the meeting', is informal shorthand. In careful writing, 'before' is the clearer choice.
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