Definition

A representation or suggestion of something that will happen in the future; an indication or foreshadowing of future events.

Example

The artist's early sketches were a prefiguration of the final masterpiece.

Conversation

I was reading that book about art and the concept of prefiguration came up.

Oh really? What does it mean exactly?

It’s about how certain elements can suggest or foreshadow something in the future.

That sounds interesting! I love when stories or artworks do that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prefiguration is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "figurare" (meaning to shape or form). The word refers to the act of shaping or forming something in advance, often as a foreshadowing or representation of what is to come.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pre-' meaning before and 'figurare' meaning to shape — prefiguration is like shaping something before it actually happens.

Visually Confused Words