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prep

pre

PREE
prep
1
Before a particular event or point in time (informal shorthand).
"We're grabbing drinks pre-party at Jake's place."

How to Use Pre

Learner’s notes

In 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're grabbing drinks _____-party at Jake's place.

Etymology

From Latin "prae," meaning "in front of" or "before" — the same root behind the prefix "pre-" in words like "prepare" and "preview."

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial