Prerequisite: Definition, Usage & Key Examples

Meaning 1：requirement that must be met first (prerequisite)

prerequisite 🔊

/ˌpriːˈrekwəzɪt/

Something that you must have or do first before you can have or do something else.

Prerequisite concept illustrated by a checklist showing required first step

requirement that must be met first 🔊

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/rɪˈkwaɪəmənt ðæt mʌst biː met fɜːst/

A necessary condition, step, or qualification that must be fulfilled before one is allowed to proceed to the next stage or activity.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'prae-' (before) + 'requisitum' (a thing required).

💡 Mnemonic

PRE-requisite = a requirement that comes PRE-first, before the main event.

📖 Example

A bachelor's degree is a common prerequisite for applying to most master's programs. 🔊 Completing an undergraduate degree is typically a required condition before one can submit an application for graduate studies.

🔗 Collocations

prerequisite for – necessary condition needed to proceed with something else

prerequisite to – something that must be done or obtained before a subsequent action

meet the prerequisites – to satisfy or fulfill all the required conditions

🔄 Synonyms

requirement (n.) – a necessary condition; something that is needed or demanded (can be a general or specific need).

condition (n.) – a circumstance or requirement that must be satisfied for something else to happen (often part of an agreement).

precondition (n.) – a condition that must be fulfilled before other things can happen or be done (very close in meaning to prerequisite).

🚫 Antonyms

optional (adj.) – available to be chosen but not mandatory; not a requirement.

supplementary (adj.) – added to complete or enhance something; not a foundational requirement.

🌱 Derivatives

prerequisite (adj.) – required as a prior condition.

prerequisites (n.) – the plural form, referring to multiple required conditions.

prerequisitely (adv.) – in a manner that is required beforehand (rarely used).

📖 Cultural Story

The word evolved directly from Latin 'praerequisitus'. It is a standard term in formal contexts like academic regulations, job postings, and software installation instructions, describing mandatory conditions for proceeding.