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noun Uncommon

prerequisite

pree-REHK-wih-ziht

Prerequisite (noun) means something that must be in place or completed before something else can happen. Example: “Basic algebra is a prerequisite for the calculus course.”

noun
1
Something that must be in place or completed before something else can happen.
"Basic algebra is a prerequisite for the calculus course."
"A clean driving record is a prerequisite for the job."
adj
1
Required beforehand; necessary as a condition.
"You need the prerequisite training before you can operate the machine."

How to use prerequisite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething you need to have or do first, before you're allowed to move on to the next thing.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
a prerequisite for prerequisite course meet the prerequisites

Word forms

prerequisites plural

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Basic algebra is a _____ for the calculus course.

Etymology

From Latin prae- ("before") plus "requisite" ("required") — literally, "required beforehand."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for prerequisite

See all rhymes for prerequisite →

Frequently asked questions

What does “prerequisite” mean?

The word “prerequisite” means something that must be in place or completed before something else can happen. In plain terms, something you need to have or do first, before you're allowed to move on to the next thing.

How do you pronounce “prerequisite”?

“Prerequisite” is pronounced pree-REHK-wih-ziht (/pɹiˈɹɛkwəzət/ in IPA).

How do you use “prerequisite” in a sentence?

Here is “prerequisite” used in a sentence: “Basic algebra is a prerequisite for the calculus course.”

What part of speech is “prerequisite”?

Depending on how it is used, “prerequisite” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “prerequisite” come from?

The word “prerequisite” comes from Latin. From Latin prae- ("before") plus "requisite" ("required") — literally, "required beforehand.".

Is “prerequisite” a common word?

“Prerequisite” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “prerequisite” have?

“Prerequisite” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that must be in place or completed before something else can happen.

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