PREDATE

predate, antedate, foredate

(verb) establish something as being earlier relative to something else

raven, prey, predate

(verb) prey on or hunt for; “These mammals predate certain eggs”

precede, predate

(verb) come before; “Most English adjectives precede the noun they modify”

predate, precede, forego, forgo, antecede, antedate

(verb) be earlier in time; go back further; “Stone tools precede bronze tools”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology 1

Verb

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

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".)

(transitive) To exist or to occur before something else; to antedate.

Usage notes

The transitive sense of moving an event to an earlier point is the proper one for "predate." "Antedate" is the correct term for occurring before something else. These terms are frequently misused even in educated writing.

Synonyms

• (to designate a date earlier): antedate, backdate, foredate; see also backdate

• (to occur before something else): antedate; see also predate

Antonyms

• (to designate a date earlier): overdate, postdate; see also overdate

• (to occur before something else): postdate

Noun

predate (plural predates)

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

Etymology 2

Verb

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

To prey upon something.

Synonyms

• (to prey upon): prey

Anagrams

• adepter, pad-tree, readept, red tape, retaped, tapered

Source: Wiktionary


Pre*date", v. t.

Definition: To date anticipation; to affix to (a document) an earlier than the actual date; to antedate; as, a predated deed or letter.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

26 March 2025

CAST

(noun) bandage consisting of a firm covering (often made of plaster of Paris) that immobilizes broken bones while they heal


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Coffee Trivia

In 1511, leaders in Mecca believed coffee stimulated radical thinking and outlawed the drink. In 1524, the leaders overturned that order, and people could drink coffee again.

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