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pre·dom·i·nate·ly adverb : PREDOMINANTLY

pree·mie noun : a premature baby

pre·em·i·nence noun : the quality or state of being preeminent

Synonyms

distinction, dominance, excellence, greatness, superiority, supremacy—more at EXCELLENCE

pre·em·i·nent adjective : having highest rank

— pre·em·i·nent·ly adverb

Synonyms

arch, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, foremost, grand, key, main, paramount, predominant, premier, primary, principal, sovereign, supreme—more at FOREMOST

distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, superior—more at EMINENT

pre·empt verb 1 : to settle upon (public land) with the right to purchase before others; also : to take by such right

2 : to seize upon before someone else can

3 : to take the place of

— pre·emp·tion noun

Synonyms

appropriate, arrogate, commandeer, usurp—more at APPROPRIATE

pre·emp·tive adjective : marked by the seizing of the initiative : initiated by oneself <~ attack>

preen verb [ORIGIN: ME prenen, alter. of proynen, prunen, fr. AF puroindre, proindre, fr. pur- thoroughly + oindre to anoint, rub, fr. L unguere]

1 : to dress or smooth up : PRIMP

2 : to groom with the bill — used of a bird

3 : to pride (oneself) for achievement

pre·ex·ist verb : to exist before

— pre·ex·is·tence noun

— pre·ex·is·tent adjective

pref abbreviation 1 preface

2 preference

3 preferred

4 prefix

1prefab noun : a prefabricated structure

2prefab adjective : produced by prefabrication

pre·fab·ri·cate verb : to manufacture the parts of (a structure) beforehand for later assembly

— pre·fab·ri·ca·tion noun

1preface noun : the introductory remarks of a speaker or writer

— pref·a·to·ry adjective

Synonyms

foreword, introduction, preamble, prologue—more at INTRODUCTION

2preface verb pref·aced; pref·ac·ing : to introduce with a preface

pre·fect noun 1 : a high official; especially : a chief officer or magistrate

2 : a student monitor

pre·fec·ture noun : the office, term, or residence of a prefect

pre·fer verb pre·ferred; pre·fer·ring 1 : PROMOTE

2 : to like better

3 : to bring (as a charge) against a person

— pref·er·a·ble adjective

Synonyms

choose, cull, elect, handpick, name, opt, pick, select, single, take—more at CHOOSE

favor, lean, like; also adore, cotton (to), delight (in), dig, enjoy, fancy, groove (on), relish, revel (in); choose, cull, handpick, name, pick, select, single (out), take; covet, crave, desire, want, wish (for); bias, prejudice; incline (towards), tend (to); admire, appreciate, cherish, prize, treasure, value

pref·er·a·bly adverb : it is preferred

Synonyms

first, rather, readily, soon—more at RATHER

pref·er·ence noun 1 : a special liking for one thing over another

2 : the power or opportunity of choosing : CHOICE

3 : one that is preferred

— pref·er·en·tial adjective

Synonyms

[1] appetite, fancy, favor, fondness, like, liking, love, partiality, relish, shine, taste, use—more at LIKING

[2] alternative, choice, discretion, option, pick, way—more at CHOICE

pre·fer·ment noun : advancement or promotion in dignity, office, or station : PROMOTION, ADVANCEMENT

preferred provider organization noun : PPO

pre·fig·ure verb 1 : FORESHADOW

2 : to imagine beforehand

1prefix verb : to place before <~ a title to a name>

2prefix noun : an affix occurring at the beginning of a word

pre·flight adjective : preparing for or preliminary to flight

pre·form verb : to form or shape beforehand

preg·na·ble adjective : vulnerable to capture

preg·nant adjective 1 : containing unborn offspring within the body

2 : rich in significance : MEANINGFUL

— preg·nan·cy noun

Synonyms

eloquent, expressive, meaning, meaningful, significant, suggestive—more at EXPRESSIVE

pre·heat verb : to heat beforehand; especially : to heat (an oven) to a designated temperature before using

pre·hen·sile adjective : adapted for grasping