What is the term in calling the pre

1

a

: one that precedes and indicates the approach of another

2

: a substance, cell, or cellular component from which another substance, cell, or cellular component is formed

What is the term in calling the pre

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With its prefix pre-, meaning "before", a precursor is literally a "forerunner", and in fact forerunner first appeared as the translation of the Latin praecursor. But the two words function a little differently today. A forerunner may simply come before another thing, but a precursor generally paves the way for something. So, for example, the Office of Strategic Services in World War II was the immediate precursor of today's Central Intelligence Agency, while the blues music of the 1930s and 1940s was only one of the precursors of the rock and roll of today.

Synonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for precursor

the blockade was the forerunner of war

precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another.

18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics

harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event.

their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season

the herald of a new age in medicine

Example Sentences

18th-century lyric poets like Robert Burns were precursors of the Romantics a precursor of the modern eggplant

Recent Examples on the Web The inclination to spend ever more has never abated, particularly since World War II, when the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the United States’ first foreign-intelligence agency and precursor to the CIA, was established. Alex Kershaw, WSJ, 4 Nov. 2022 Reading Recovery lessons include activities based on phonics and its precursor skill, phonemic awareness. Mandy Mclaren, The Courier-Journal, 3 Nov. 2022 Portions of the company previously created Scribe, a precursor to Rewind that received some press attention in 2021. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 2 Nov. 2022 Twitter’s new owner, Elon Musk, is already starting to make changes at the social media company, and one of them might include bringing back Vine, a precursor to TikTok. PCMAG, 31 Oct. 2022 The journey begins with a precursor to the Tambour from 1988 followed by the original Tambour Automatic GMT. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2022 Booth said the Housing Authority this week plans to issue formal eviction notices, a precursor to filing an eviction lawsuit, to the households whose leases have expired. Liam Dillonstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2022 The same dynamic long plagued a precursor program, known as Lifeline, which launched under President Ronald Reagan to reduce needy Americans’ home phone bills. Tony Romm, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2022 The gothic novel helped craft the image of vampires as mysterious yet fascinating creatures, a precursor to the seductive interpretation books, films, and television shows would present vampires as years later. Milan Polk, Men's Health, 24 Oct. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'precursor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English precursoure, from Latin praecursor, from praecurrere to run before, from prae- pre- + currere to run — more at current entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of precursor was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near precursor

Cite this Entry

“Precursor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precursor. Accessed 14 Nov. 2022.

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Last Updated: 12 Nov 2022 - Updated example sentences

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Merriam-Webster unabridged

What do you call pre?

Definition of pre- 1a(1) : earlier than : prior to : before Precambrian prehistoric. (2) : preparatory or prerequisite to premedical. b : in advance : beforehand precancel prepay. 2 : in front of : anterior to preaxial premolar.

What prefix pre means?

a prefix occurring originally in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “before” (preclude; prevent); applied freely as a prefix, with the meanings “prior to,” “in advance of,” “early,” “beforehand,” “before,” “in front of,” and with other figurative meanings (preschool; prewar; prepay; preoral; prefrontal).

Is pre In prefix a prefix?

Prefixes are key morphemes in English vocabulary that begin words. The prefix pre-, which means “before,” appears in numerous English vocabulary words, for example: predict, prevent, and prefix!

How do you pre

The following are six easy steps to help you make the most of your pre-call planning..
Research your prospect. ... .
Know the prospect's competitors. ... .
Know your objective for the call. ... .
Plan your questions. ... .
Anticipate objections. ... .
Don't over-prepare..