Pre and Post Meaning Explained – Clear Definitions & Usage

Let’s begin with the meanings of “pre” and “post”. These two words appear frequently but knowing them will enable you to put them into use practically. This blog post will elaborate on the meanings of pre and post, their differences and their correct application. These terms should not be a problem to comprehend once the fundamental concepts are grasped.

Understanding Pre and Post Meaning

The roots ‘pre’ and ‘post’ are also some of the very basic affixes. An affix is a set of letters placed at the start of a word to modify its meaning. The attached meaning to the prefix ‘pre’ is ‘before’. On the contrary, ‘post’ means ‘after’. These two little words do show us a great deal of time aspect of an event.

We can see it as a timeline. If something is said to happen “pre”, it means it happens in anticipation of the other event. If something happens ‘post’, it means it occurs later. So, for instance, “pre-game” alludes to a time frame which occurs prior to a sporting contest while “post-game” describes such period after the contest.

How to Use “Pre” and “Post” in Everyday Life

To be able to speak regarding actions in a time frame, knowing how to use the terms ‘pre’ and ‘post’ would be quite insightful. Illustrations will make this clearer, so let us examine some.

Using “Pre”

• Pre-school: This term refers to the kind of school that kids attend before they enroll into kindergarten.
• Preheat: This term refers to the process of heating up something in preparation for using it, such as turning on an oven in advance of baking inside it.
• Preview: This term means to have an advance view of something, for example, a cinematographic advertising preview that is provided before the actual movie is released.

Using “Post”

• Post-office: This is the place that is visited to perhaps drop the letter in the mailbox after the letter is written out and addressed.
• Postpone: To postpone means to put something off until later than was first intended.
• Postwar: This word is used to refer to the period that follows after a war.

The Difference Between “Pre” and “Post”

Time and Sequence

In short, the distinction between ‘pre’ and ‘post’ is based on time. Pre remains before while the post is always after.

To give an example, when examining the phrase pre-test, we understand that this is a test which is taken before the major test has been taken. This might be a test to prepare a person for the actual test to be able to take it successfully. A post-test on a contrary means that which is done after a major test so that one could measure the extent they have understood.

Function and Use

Another of these distinctions is that it is noted that these prefixes serve different purposes. To prepare or make arrangements also means the student is getting ready for an important event or occasion. After an event has taken place, the term post is used to explain what one did during or after the event.

From What Language Are These Words Used: Pre And Post

These prefixes have existed for quite a long time and the origins of their roots are in Latin languages.

Pre: This prefix traces its origins to the Latin word “prae” which stands for’ before’. This prefix is seen in many English words’ to show something in the beginning.

Post: This prefix I traced from the Latin word ‘post’ which means after. This prefix is used to show something that occurs later than the true event.

Examples in Real Life

Let’s explore some more examples to see how these prefixes are used.

There are also some various concepts that commonly use the prefix “Pre”.

1.Preschool: An educational institution that a child begins to attend prior to starting primary school.

2.Preview: The exhibition or viewing of something, like a book or movie, before its actual release.

3.Pretest: A type of exam done prior the actual or main test.

Quite obviously “pre” means before and if something is pre, it has to do with doing work that is before the main work is completed.

The discussion doesn’t end here. There are also some different terms that people in academia commonly use and use the prefix “post”.

1.Postgraduate: Typically, these studies are those that are pursued by the learner after obtaining a degree from a college institution.

2.P.S. (Postscript): It is added after the main part of the text is written that is usually situated just underneath the salutation and is normally a note added at the end of a letter.

3.Postdate: Completing a printed form by writing on it a date which is later than the date that is indicated in the context of the document.

These examples highlight how “post” is used to talk about things that happen afterward or as a follow-up.

FAQs

Can any word be prefixed with pre’ and post’?

Many words work with “pre” and “post”, but not all. These are mainly to do with the order of something in time.

Why is understanding pre’ and post’ so vital?

Being aware of these prefixes allows you to express the sequence of events with much clarity. It also allows one to comprehend what others are saying.

What are some common words that use “pre” and “post”?

A few common words that begin with “pre” are preschools, preview, preheat, and so on. Postgraduate, postpone, and postwar are amongst the words beginning with “post.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, pre and post-meanings are simple and rather effective at depicting when an action takes place. Let me remind you that pre’ precedes and post’ succeeds. It follows, therefore, that it makes no difference to the cohesiveness of your writing as to which word you choose to use.