predate — English Dictionary

Verb

1. 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".)

2. To exist or to occur before something else; to antedate.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   The Chinese use of Pascal's Triangle predates its discovery by Blaise Pascal.

   "The Tees Valley has ageing diesel trains that predate any form of emission control.

Noun

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

Verb

1. To prey upon something.

   Usage

   • Transitive or intransitive

   Synonyms

   depredate

   Related words

   depredationpredationpredatorpredatory

1. be earlier in time; go back further

   Synonyms

   precedeforegoforgoantecedeantedate

   Antonyms

   postdate

   Broader terms

   precedecome before

   Examples

   Stone tools precede bronze tools

2. come before

   Synonyms

   precede

   Broader terms

   lie

   Examples

   Most English adjectives precede the noun they modify

3. establish something as being earlier relative to something else

   Synonyms

   antedateforedate

   Antonyms

   postdate

   Broader terms

   chronologizechronologise

1. prey on or hunt for

   Synonyms

   ravenprey

   Broader terms

   forage

   Examples

   These mammals predate certain eggs