英语词汇词典 | 单词含义、定义和示例
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."
To contract or engage beforehand; to arrange in advance.
"The workers were preengaged before the project officially started."
To establish or set up beforehand.
"Certain rules were preestablished before the meeting."
to exist beforehand or before something else
"These customs preexist the arrival of modern technology."
the state of existing before something else
"Philosophers often debated the preexistence of the soul."
an introduction to a book, speech, or other written work
"The author explained his motivation in the preface."
serving as an introduction or preface
"He made some prefatory remarks before the lecture began."
to like one thing better than another
"I prefer tea over coffee in the morning."
more desirable or suitable; better than something else
"It is preferable to take the train rather than drive in heavy traffic."
a greater liking for one alternative over another
"She has a preference for tea over coffee."
showing or giving advantage to one over others
"Members receive preferential treatment at the club."
promotion or advancement in rank, position, or office
"He hoped for preferment in the government office."
to represent, show, or foreshadow something in advance
"The economic reforms prefigure major social changes."
a word, letter, or number placed before another; as a verb, to add something in front of something else
"Developers often prefix variables with an underscore."
the condition of being pregnant; the period during which a woman carries a developing fetus
"Her pregnancy was carefully monitored by her doctor."
having a child developing in the womb; also, full of meaning or significance
"She announced that she was three months pregnant."
capable of being grasped or seized
"The tool has a prehensible handle that improves safety."
adapted for seizing or grasping, especially by wrapping around an object
"The monkey used its prehensile tail to hang from the branch."
the act of grasping or seizing; the ability to take hold of something
"Therapists assessed the patient's prehension during hand therapy."
Belonging to the time before written records.
"The prehistoric era was marked by the rise of early humans."
An unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge.
"Prejudice often prevents people from seeing the truth about others."
having or showing a dislike or bias against a person or group without proper reason
"He was prejudiced against people from other regions."
The office, dignity, or system of church government by prelates.
"The medieval church was dominated by prelacy and its traditions."
A high-ranking member of the clergy, especially a bishop or abbot.
"The prelate delivered a sermon to the congregation."
happening before something that is more important; introductory or preparatory
"The team held a preliminary meeting to discuss the project."
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."
Happening or done before the usual or proper time.
"His decision to quit the job was premature."
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."
the head of government in some countries; first in importance or rank
"The French premier addressed the nation."
a statement or idea on which reasoning or an argument is based; also a building or property
"His argument was based on a false premise."
An intuitive feeling about the future, especially of something bad about to happen.
"He had a strong presentiment that the plan would fail."
to recommend or authorize the use of something, especially medicine
"The doctor prescribed medication for my cold."
An authoritative rule or direction; something laid down as a command.
"The prescript of the organization required strict punctuality."
Capable of being prescribed or laid down as a rule or directive.
"Certain regulations are prescriptible under the law."
A written order from a doctor for the preparation and administration of a medicine; also, a recommendation or authoritative rule.
"The doctor gave her a prescription for antibiotics."
the state of being present in a particular place
"Her presence at the meeting was greatly appreciated."
existing or happening now; to give something to someone in a formal way
"She presented her report to the team yesterday."
neat and suitable for being seen in public; acceptable in appearance
"Make sure you look presentable for the job interview."
the act of presenting something to an audience, typically involving speaking or showing information
"The presentation on digital marketing was very informative."
Having a feeling or sense of something about to happen; predictive.
"She was presentient of the coming disaster."
A substance used to preserve foodstuffs, wood, or other materials against decay.
"Many processed foods contain harmful preservatives."
A monarch or ruler, especially one with absolute power.
"The ancient land was ruled by a powerful potentate."
the office or position of being a president
"He was elected to the presidency in 2020."
to be in charge of a meeting, event, or organization
"She will preside over the meeting tomorrow."
The act of keeping something in its original state or protecting it from harm or decay.
"The preservation of old books is important for cultural heritage."
at the current moment; now
"Presently, I am working on a new project."
The act of presenting something formally or officially; a formal statement or document.
"The lawyer made a presentment of the evidence to the court."
