Definition

In a position before something else, especially in grammar where a word or phrase comes before another word it modifies.

Example

In the sentence 'The big dog barked', the adjective 'big' is used prepositively before the noun 'dog'.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how some adjectives are used prepositively?

Yeah, it's interesting how they change the sentence structure.

Exactly! I think it makes the language sound more formal sometimes.

Absolutely, using them prepositively can really add a nice touch.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prepositively → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "positus" (from the verb "ponere", meaning to place). The word refers to something that is placed or positioned before something else.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'placed before' — 'pre-' means before, and 'positus' relates to placing.

Visually Confused Words