What is “pre-“?

The prefix “pre-” comes from Latin and means “before.” When “pre-” is at the start of a word, it indicates that something happens before another event or time.

Examples:

• Prehistoric: This means “before history” or the time before written records.
• Preview: To see something before it is officially shown.
• Predict: To say what you think will happen before it actually happens.
• Prepare: To get ready or make things ready before they are needed.

Key Rules

1. Meaning: “Pre-” always means “before.” Understanding this helps you figure out the meaning of the word.
2. Usage: Adding “pre-” to many words changes their meaning to something that happens earlier.

Tips and Tricks

• Think About Time: When you see “pre-” in a word, consider whether it relates to something that happens before something else.
• Break Down the Word: Divide the word into “pre-” and the rest to understand its meaning. For instance, “preview” can be thought of as “pre-” (before) + “view” (to see).
• Practice: Make a list of words with “pre-” and their meanings to help remember them better.

Questions and Answers

Easy Difficulty

1. What does “pre-” mean?

• Before

1. What is the meaning of “preheat”?

• To heat something before you start cooking.

1. What does “preview” mean?

• To see something before it is shown to everyone.

1. What does “prepay” mean?

• To pay for something before receiving it.

1. What is “preseason”?

• The time before the main sports season starts.

1. What does “prevent” mean?

• To stop something from happening before it occurs.

1. What is “preteen”?

• A person who is younger than a teenager, usually aged 11 or 12.

1. What does “prearrange” mean?

• To arrange something before it happens.

1. What does “preoccupation” mean?

• A thought or concern that happens before other things.

1. What does “preliminary” mean?
   • Something that happens before the main event.
2. What is “preflight”?
   • Checks done before a flight takes off.
3. What does “prelude” mean?
   • An introduction to something that happens before the main part.
4. What does “preschool” refer to?
   • Education before primary school.
5. What is a “preference”?
   • Something you like or choose before others.
6. What is a “precondition”?
   • Something that must happen before something else can occur.
7. What does “preach” mean?
   • To speak about something before others, often in a religious context.
8. What does “preemptive” mean?
   • Done before an expected event to prevent it.
9. What is a “pretext”?
   • A reason given before the real reason for doing something.
10. What is “prepackaged”?
    • Something that is packaged before it is sold.
11. What is “preserve”?
    • To keep something in its original state before it changes.

Medium Difficulty

1. Use “predict” in a sentence.

• I predict it will rain tomorrow.

1. What does “prehistoric” mean in the context of history?

• It refers to the time before written records were kept.

1. How is “prepare” used differently from “prearrange”?

• “Prepare” means to get ready, while “prearrange” means to arrange something beforehand.

1. What is the difference between “preliminary” and “preseason”?

• “Preliminary” refers to initial stages before the main event, while “preseason” is the period before the main sports season.

1. In what way is “preoccupy” different from “occupy”?

• “Preoccupy” means to be absorbed by something before other thoughts, while “occupy” just means to use or fill a space or time.

1. Create a sentence using the word “prearrange.”

• We need to prearrange the seating for the party before guests arrive.

1. What does “preemptive” action mean in a business context?

• Taking steps to avoid a problem before it arises.

1. How can “pretext” be used to describe someone’s motive?

• They used a pretext to cover up their true intention.

1. Use “preview” in the context of a movie.

• I watched the preview of the film before it was released.

1. What is the significance of “prepay” when booking a holiday?
   • It means you pay for the holiday before you actually go.
2. What does “preliminary” mean in the context of research?
   • Initial research or studies done before the main research project.
3. How does “preemptive” strategy apply in sports?
   • A team might use a preemptive strategy to counteract the opponent’s expected moves.
4. What does “preteen” signify in relation to age groups?
   • It refers to children who are about to become teenagers, usually aged 11 to 12.
5. Explain “preschool” in terms of education.
   • It is the education for children before they start primary school.
6. Create a sentence using “preference”.
   • My preference is to eat dinner at home rather than going out.
7. How is “preserve” used in cooking?
   • To preserve fruits means to keep them from spoiling by making jam or canning them.
8. What does “preoccupy” mean in terms of thought?
   • When a person’s mind is constantly focused on one topic before other thoughts.
9. How does “preheat” affect baking?
   • Preheating the oven ensures that your food bakes evenly from the start.
10. Use “prearrange” in the context of an event.
    • We need to prearrange the decorations before the guests arrive.
11. What does “preexist” mean?
    • To exist before something else.

High Difficulty

1. Explain the usage of “preemptive” in legal terms.

• Preemptive measures are taken to prevent a legal issue before it arises.

1. Discuss the difference between “preoccupation” and “occupation”.

• “Preoccupation” is a concern or focus before other things, while “occupation” refers to a job or activity someone is engaged in.

1. Use “prelude” in a literary context.

• The prelude of a novel sets up the background for the main story.

1. How does “preseason” training benefit athletes?

• It helps athletes prepare physically and mentally before the competitive season begins.

1. Describe how “prearranged” meetings differ from spontaneous meetings.

• Prearranged meetings are scheduled in advance, while spontaneous meetings occur without prior planning.

1. In what scenarios is “preemptive” diplomacy used?

• To address potential conflicts or issues before they escalate.

1. How does “preexist” relate to historical events?

• An event or situation that existed before another significant historical event.

1. Create a complex sentence using “preoccupation.”

• His preoccupation with solving the mystery before dinner led him to ignore other important tasks.

1. Discuss “precondition” in terms of contract agreements.

• A precondition in a contract is a requirement that must be met before the contract becomes effective.

1. How can “preoccupation” affect personal relationships?
   • Excessive preoccupation with work or hobbies can lead to neglect of relationships and personal time.
2. Differentiate between “preliminary” findings and “conclusive” results in research.
   • Preliminary findings are early results that provide an initial overview, while conclusive results are final and confirm the overall conclusions.
3. How is “preemptive” action different from “reactive” action in a business setting?
   • Preemptive action involves taking steps to avoid issues, while reactive action addresses problems after they occur.
4. Use “prearranged” in the context of a wedding.
   • The wedding schedule was prearranged to ensure everything went smoothly on the big day.
5. What does “prepaid” mean for services?
   • Services paid for in advance before they are provided.
6. Explain the significance of “preoccupation” in psychological studies.
   • It can refer to how focused or absorbed a person is with specific thoughts or concerns.
7. Discuss the impact of “prearrange” in logistics planning.
   • Prearranging details helps ensure that all aspects of the logistics are organised efficiently before execution.
8. What is the role of “prelude” in a symphony?
   • It serves as an introduction to the main movements of the symphony.
9. Describe a situation where “precondition” is essential for success.
   • Securing funding is a precondition for starting a new business venture.
10. How does “prepay” influence consumer behaviour?
    • Prepay

ing can provide discounts or guarantee availability, influencing customers to commit earlier.

20. What does “preemptive” mean in terms of cybersecurity?
    • Actions taken to prevent cyberattacks before they occur.