Definition

To occur or exist before something else in time.

Example

The ancient fossils predate the dinosaurs by millions of years.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know that the letter was actually predated by a week?

Really? I thought it was sent out last Tuesday.

Nope, it was predated to the previous Friday instead.

That makes sense; it explains the delay in the response.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Predate** → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "datare" (meaning to give or to date). The word "predate" means to date something before a certain point in time or to exist before something else.

Memory Tip

Think of something that exists or is dated 'before' ('pre-') another event or time.

Visually Confused Words