predate

Pronunciation: /priːˈdeɪt/ (IPA, American)

Origin: From Latin "prae-" (before) + "datum" (given)

Part of Speech: verb

Meanings:

1. To exist or occur before (something else) in time
2. To prey on; to hunt as prey

Example Sentences:

1. "The ancient Egyptians predated the Roman Empire by thousands of years."
2. "Lions often predate smaller animals in the savanna."

Related Words:

• Forms: predates, predating, predated
• Synonyms: antedate, precede, anticipate, forerun (for meaning 1); hunt, stalk, pursue (for meaning 2)

Memorization Trick: Think "PRE-DATE" as in "before the date." This helps remember that it means to come before something in time. For the second meaning, imagine a predator on a "pre-date" hunt for its prey.

Additional Notes: Be careful not to confuse "predate" with "predator," though they share the same root in the second meaning. "Predate" is a verb, while "predator" is a noun referring to an animal that hunts others.