prerequisite

[ pri-rek-wuh-zit, pree- ]

adjective

1. required beforehand:

   a prerequisite fund of knowledge.

noun

1. something prerequisite:

   A visa is still a prerequisite for travel in many countries.

   Synonyms: precondition, essential, requisite, requirement

prerequisite

/ priːˈrɛkwɪzɪt /

adjective

1. required as a prior condition

noun

1. something required as a prior condition

Word History and Origins

Origin of prerequisite¹

First recorded in 1625–35; pre- + requisite

Example Sentences

The standard critique has always been that he lacks something that we imagine to be a prerequisite for high office: breeding, or grammar, or diplomacy, or business acumen, or love of country.

From Salon

They usually need a bioscience-related first degree, but that is not a prerequisite.

From BBC

Is sharing a similar sense of humor a relationship prerequisite?

From Los Angeles Times

Part of this white supremacist racial project involves making “whiteness” a prerequisite for citizenship and national belonging as established by the Supreme Court in the infamous Ozawa and Thind cases.

From Salon

"Appreciating the workforce in the railways is a fundamental prerequisite if Scotland is to deliver the world-class, affordable, attractive and accessible rail services the country needs."

From BBC

Related Words

• essential
• must
• precondition
• qualification
• requirement
• requisite