antedate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈæn.tɪ.deɪt/
KK: /ˈæntɪˌdeɪt/
noun
Definition
A date that is set for an event or document that is earlier than when it actually happens or is created.
Example
The contract had an antedate, making it seem like it was signed months earlier than it really was.
Conversation
Did you see that some documents have an antedate?
Yeah, I noticed that too; it seems a bit strange.
I wonder why they would use an antedate instead of the actual date.
Maybe it was to make it look more official or something.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
predate
foredate
ante
Antonyms
postdate
delay
extend
transitive verb
Definition
To give a date to something that is earlier than the date it actually happened.
Example
The historian decided to antedate the document to reflect its original creation time.
Tense Forms
Past: antedated
Past Participle: antedated
Conversation
Did you see that old document they found in the archives?
Yeah, it's fascinating! I heard they plan to antedate it to show how things were back then.
That makes sense; it really helps understand the history better.
Root Explanation
Antedate is formed from "ante-" (meaning before) and "datum" (meaning given or dated). The word refers to something that is dated earlier than the actual date.
Memory Tip
Think of 'ante-' meaning 'before' and 'datum' meaning 'given' — so antedate means to give a date that is before the actual date.
Visually Confused Words
afterdate
mandate
cantate
andaste