prefabricate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˌpriːˈfæbrɪkeɪt//

KK: /prɪˈfæbrɪˌkeɪt/

transitive verb

Definition

To manufacture parts of a building or structure in advance so that they can be easily assembled later.

Example

The company decided to prefabricate the houses to save time on construction.

Tense Forms

Past: prefabricated

Past Participle: prefabricated

Conversation

I heard they plan to prefabricate the new houses in our neighborhood.

Really? That sounds interesting and efficient.

Yeah, I think it will save a lot of time during construction.

Definitely! Plus, it might help lower the overall costs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

assemble

fabricate

construct

Antonyms

dismantle

destroy

deconstruct

Root Explanation

Prefabricate → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "fabricare" (meaning to make or construct). The word "prefabricate" means to make or construct something in advance, typically in a factory setting, before it is assembled on-site.

Memory Tip

Think of making something 'before' ('pre-') it is needed — that's why prefabricate means to construct in advance.

Visually Confused Words

prevaricate