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
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
22 February 2025
ANALYSIS
(noun) the use of closed-class words instead of inflections: e.g., ‘the father of the bride’ instead of ‘the bride’s father’
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