英语词汇词典 | 单词含义、定义和示例
to represent, show, or foreshadow something in advance
"The economic reforms prefigure major social changes."
promotion or advancement in rank, position, or office
"He hoped for preferment in the government office."
showing or giving advantage to one over others
"Members receive preferential treatment at the club."
a greater liking for one alternative over another
"She has a preference for tea over coffee."
more desirable or suitable; better than something else
"It is preferable to take the train rather than drive in heavy traffic."
to like one thing better than another
"I prefer tea over coffee in the morning."
serving as an introduction or preface
"He made some prefatory remarks before the lecture began."
an introduction to a book, speech, or other written work
"The author explained his motivation in the preface."
the state of existing before something else
"Philosophers often debated the preexistence of the soul."
to exist beforehand or before something else
"These customs preexist the arrival of modern technology."
To establish or set up beforehand.
"Certain rules were preestablished before the meeting."
To contract or engage beforehand; to arrange in advance.
"The workers were preengaged before the project officially started."
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."
Serving or intended to prevent something by taking action first.
"The government took preemptive measures to control inflation."
The act of taking action before someone else; the right to purchase or act before others.
"The company exercised preemption to acquire the land before competitors."
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."
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way.
"She is a preeminent scientist in the field of genetics."
The fact of surpassing all others; superiority.
"The university has gained preeminence in medical research."
To be the strongest, most common, or most influential element.
"Traditional values still predominate in the community."
mainly; for the most part
"The population in the city is predominantly young."
Having superior strength, influence, or authority; most common or noticeable.
"The predominant color in the painting is blue."
the act of doing something repeatedly to improve skill, or the actual application of an idea
"He practices the piano every day."
not securely held; dangerously unstable or uncertain
"The climber was in a precarious position on the edge of the cliff."
a preliminary statement, especially the introduction to a formal document
"The preamble of the constitution outlines its guiding principles."
to deliver a religious or moral talk, often in a church setting
"The pastor preached about forgiveness and kindness."
a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity
"She recited a prayer before the meal."
to speak to a deity, especially for help or thanks
"Every night, she prays for her family’s safety."
a large marine crustacean similar to shrimp but typically bigger
"The chef prepared delicious prawn curry with coconut milk."
to talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way
"The children would prattle on about their games."
to talk foolishly or at tedious length about something
"He would prate endlessly about his minor achievements."
A trick that is intended to be funny but not harmful.
"They played a harmless prank on their friend during the party."
To move with high, springy steps, often to show off or attract attention.
"The horse pranced around the field gracefully."
deserving praise; commendable; admirable
"Her charitable work is truly praiseworthy."
to express approval or admiration for someone or something
"The teacher praised the student for her hard work."
A large open area of grassland, especially in North America.
"The bison roamed freely across the prairie."
A person who deals with things in a practical and realistic way.
"He is a true pragmatist who values results over ideals."
A pragmatic attitude or policy.
"Pragmatism is essential in problem-solving."
a person actively engaged in a profession, especially medicine or law
"She is a skilled medical practitioner."
to do something repeatedly to improve skill; to work in a profession
"She practises piano for two hours daily."
a person who makes pottery
"The potter shaped clay on the spinning wheel."
a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces or a unit of currency
"The price of the book is five pounds."
a soft, moist mass of material applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation
"The nurse applied a warm poultice to his injured leg."
a small bag or pocket, often used to carry small items
"She kept her coins in a small leather pouch."
a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
"The witch gave the hero a healing potion."
with the possibility of becoming something in the future
"This project is potentially a huge success."
To increase the power, effect, or likelihood of something.
"Caffeine can potentiate the effects of some medicines."
