precondition
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌpriːˈkɒndɪʃən/
KK: /priːˈkɒndɪʃən/
noun
Definition
A requirement that must be met before something can happen or be accepted.
Example
Having a valid passport is a precondition for traveling internationally.
Conversation
Did you know there’s a precondition for joining that club?
Really? What is it?
You need to have some experience in community service first.
That makes sense; they want committed members.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
prerequisite
requirement
stipulation
Antonyms
afterthought
consequence
result
transitive verb
Definition
To prepare or set the necessary conditions for something to happen in the future.
Example
The teacher preconditions the students for the exam by reviewing all the important topics.
Tense Forms
Past: preconditioned
Past Participle: preconditioned
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how to precondition your mind for a big presentation?
Not really, but it sounds interesting. How do you do that?
Well, I like to practice visualization techniques to precondition myself for success.
Root Explanation
Precondition → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "condition" (from Latin "conditio", meaning a stipulation or requirement). The word "precondition" refers to a condition that must be met before something else can occur.
Memory Tip
Think of a requirement that must be met 'before' ('pre-') something can happen — that's what a precondition is.
Visually Confused Words
recondition
recognition
premonition
rendition
prodition
condition
prorecognition
prerecognition