predate

[ pree-deyt ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·dat·ed, pre·dat·ing.

1. to date before the actual time; antedate:

   He predated the check by three days.

2. to precede in date:

   a house that predates the Civil War.

predate

/ priːˈdeɪt /

verb

1. to affix a date to (a document, paper, etc) that is earlier than the actual date
2. to assign a date to (an event, period, etc) that is earlier than the actual or previously assigned date of occurrence
3. to be or occur at an earlier date than; precede in time

Word History and Origins

Origin of predate¹

First recorded in 1860–65; pre- + date ¹

Example Sentences

I think my love of being a funny actor predates my love of comedy, but that’s what brought me to stand-up.

From Los Angeles Times

All forms of production have been sluggish to rebound amid an ongoing industry contraction that predates the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes.

From Los Angeles Times

The Enlightenment notion of promoting “the common good” predates even the United States itself.

From Salon

The men have known each other for decades, the dynamics have been often bitter, dysfunctional even, but Biden’s positions predate even his relationship with the Israeli prime minister.

From BBC

Yes, and there have been other conflicts along the Israeli-Lebanese divide predating Hezbollah, underscoring the volatile nature of the border and mutual historical hatreds.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anticipate
• foreshadow
• outrank
• presage