Definition

To suggest or represent something that will happen in the future, often by showing an earlier version or form of it.

Example

The early designs of the building prefigure its final appearance.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how art can prefigure future movements?

Yeah, it's interesting to see how styles evolve over time.

Exactly! Like how impressionism seemed to prefigure modern art.

Right? It's like artists are predicting what's next.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prefigure → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "figurare" (meaning to shape or form). The word means to shape or form something in advance, or to represent something beforehand.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pre-' meaning before and 'figurare' meaning to shape — this helps you remember that 'prefigure' means to shape or represent something before it actually happens.

Visually Confused Words