CEFR Level
To move with high, springy steps, often to show off or attract attention.
"The horse pranced around the field gracefully."
to act in advance to prevent an anticipated event from happening; forestall
"The government moved to pre-empt a crisis by introducing new policies."
a preliminary statement, especially the introduction to a formal document
"The preamble of the constitution outlines its guiding principles."
not securely held; dangerously unstable or uncertain
"The climber was in a precarious position on the edge of the cliff."
the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority
"Safety takes precedence over speed in this factory."
A district or area within the boundaries of a city, often for police or electoral purposes.
"She went to vote at her local precinct."
A very steep cliff or a situation of great danger.
"The hikers stood at the edge of the precipice, gazing into the valley below."
As a verb: to cause an event or situation, often suddenly or prematurely; as a noun: a solid formed in a chemical solution; as an adjective: done hastily.
"The government's decision to raise taxes precipitated widespread protests."
Moisture that falls from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail; or the process of being precipitated.
"Heavy precipitation is expected in the northern region tomorrow."
Extremely steep or sudden; done quickly without careful consideration.
"The hikers struggled to climb the precipitous slope."
a short summary of a text or speech
"She wrote a précis of the lecture for her classmates."
The technique of conducting agricultural work using advanced technology.
"Precision agriculture optimizes resource use and increases efficiency."
To prevent something from happening; to make impossible.
"Heavy rain precluded the possibility of a picnic."
Showing advanced development or maturity at an unusually early age.
"The precocious child was reading novels at the age of five."
Something or someone that comes before another and indicates the approach of something else.
"The steam engine was a precursor to modern trains."
Relating to animals that prey on others; exploiting or victimizing others for personal gain.
"The predatory bird swooped down on its prey."
to establish or decide something in advance
"The outcome of the match seemed predetermined."
a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation
"She found herself in a difficult predicament."
noun: the part of a sentence that tells something about the subject; verb: to base or establish something on a particular idea
"His theory is predicated on sound research."
To make someone more likely to behave in a certain way or be affected by something.
"His genetics may predispose him to diabetes."
Likely or inclined to be affected by something in advance.
"She is predisposed to trust people easily."
a tendency or inclination to behave in a particular way
"She has a predisposition to anxiety."
The state of being greater in number, strength, or importance.
"The predominance of online shopping has changed retail forever."
To be the strongest, most common, or most influential element.
"Traditional values still predominate in the community."
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
"She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics."
To take action in order to prevent something from happening; to take the place of something.
"The government acted quickly to preempt a financial crisis."
Serving or intended to prevent something by taking action first.
"The government took preemptive measures to control inflation."
To groom or dress oneself with care; to show pride in one's appearance.
"She preened in front of the mirror before leaving for the party."
showing or giving advantage to one over others
"Members receive preferential treatment at the club."
An action, event, or statement that serves as an introduction to something more important.
"The small fight was only a prelude to a bigger conflict."
to think about and plan something (especially a crime) beforehand
"The suspect was accused of premeditating the crime."
planned in advance; done deliberately
"The crime was clearly premeditated."
a strong feeling that something is about to happen, often something negative
"She had a premonition of danger before the trip."
The state of being engrossed or absorbed in thought about something.
"Her preoccupation with work left her little time for family."
To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.
"Worries about the future preoccupy him constantly."
completely ridiculous or absurd; contrary to reason or common sense
"The idea that pigs could fly is preposterous."
a special right or privilege exclusive to a particular person or group
"It is the manager’s prerogative to make the final decision."
A substance used to prevent decay, spoilage, or deterioration in food or other materials.
"This jam contains no artificial preservatives."
A substance used to preserve foodstuffs, wood, or other materials against decay.
"Many processed foods contain harmful preservatives."
to be in charge of a meeting, event, or organization
"She will preside over the meeting tomorrow."
An idea believed to be true without proof; an assumption or act of overconfidence.
"The presumption of his guilt was unfair."
Overconfident, rude, or taking liberties without permission.
"It was presumptuous of him to make that decision without consulting others."
A claim or assertion to something, often without justification; an attempt to impress by showing greater importance or talent than is actually possessed.
"His pretension to be an expert was quickly exposed."
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.
"The restaurant was stylish but far too pretentious for my taste."
A false reason given to hide the real purpose or motive.
"He went out on the pretext of buying groceries."
the state or condition of being widespread or common
"The prevalence of smartphones has changed how people communicate."
widespread or commonly occurring
"Flu is prevalent during the winter season."
to cause a slight stinging or tingling sensation on the skin
"Her skin began to prickle in the cold wind."
stiffly formal and proper in appearance or behavior
"She looked prim in her neatly pressed dress."
first or most important; excellent
"She was treated as the prima ballerina of the troupe."
