Prefigure — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˌprē-ˈfi-gyər/ pre·fig·ure

Meaning & Definition of Prefigure

Prefigure (verb)

  1. to show, suggest, or announce by an antecedent type, image, or likeness
  2. to picture or imagine beforehand

Prefigure (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give a slight indication of beforehand

    "the first crocus traditionally prefigures the arrival of spring"

    similar: adumbrate, forerun, foreshadow, harbinger, herald
    related: anticipate, foreknow, foresee, forecast, foretell, predict, prognosticate, prophesy, forewarn, augur, bode, forebode, portend, presage, promise, allude, connote, hint, imply, insinuate, intimate, suggest

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Prefigure

The most common words with a similar meaning to Prefigure:

adumbrate, forerun, foreshadow, harbinger, herald

Related Words for Prefigure

anticipate, foreknow, foresee, forecast, foretell, predict, prognosticate, prophesy, forewarn, augur, bode, forebode, portend, presage, promise, allude, connote, hint, imply, insinuate, intimate, suggest

Word Forms of Prefigure

Inflections: prefigured, prefiguring, prefigures

Derived words: prefigurement (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Prefigure

Middle English, from Late Latin praefigurare, from Latin prae- pre- + figurare to shape, picture, from figura figure

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Prefigure

What does "Prefigure" mean?

"Prefigure" means to show, suggest, or announce by an antecedent type, image, or likeness. As a verb, it is defined as: to show, suggest, or announce by an antecedent type, image, or likeness.

What is another word for "Prefigure"?

Other words for "Prefigure" include adumbrate, forerun, foreshadow, harbinger and herald. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Prefigure" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Prefigure"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Prefigure". Common alternatives include adumbrate, forerun, foreshadow, harbinger and herald.

How do you use "Prefigure" in a sentence?

Examples of "Prefigure" in a sentence: "the first crocus traditionally prefigures the arrival of spring".

Is "Prefigure" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Prefigure" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Prefigure"?

"Prefigure" is pronounced /ˌprē-ˈfi-gyər/ and divided into syllables as pre·fig·ure.

What is the origin of the word "Prefigure"?

"Prefigure" comes from Middle English, from Late Latin praefigurare, from Latin prae- pre- + figurare to shape, picture, from figura figure. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Prefigure" meaning "to give a slight indication of beforehand"?

When "Prefigure" (verb) means to give a slight indication of beforehand, synonyms include adumbrate, forerun, foreshadow, harbinger and herald.