Prefigure
verb
To suggest, indicate, or represent something before it happens or comes into existence.
The uprising in the city was prefigured by a series of minor protests in the countryside.
Often appears as...
- prefigure events
- prefigure the outcome
verb
To create a preliminary model of something.
The designer's sketches prefigured the final product.
Often appears as...
- prefigure a model
- prefigure a design
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To act as a sign or symbol of; typify or symbolize.
The Old Testament sacrifices are believed to prefigure the sacrifice of Christ in Christian theology.
Often appears as...
- prefigure a sacrifice
- prefigure a symbol
Usage tips
Religious, Academic
verb
To suggest, indicate, or represent something before it happens or comes into existence.
The uprising in the city was prefigured by a series of minor protests in the countryside.
Often appears as...
- prefigure events
- prefigure the outcome
verb
To create a preliminary model of something.
The designer's sketches prefigured the final product.
Often appears as...
- prefigure a model
- prefigure a design
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To act as a sign or symbol of; typify or symbolize.
The Old Testament sacrifices are believed to prefigure the sacrifice of Christ in Christian theology.
Often appears as...
- prefigure a sacrifice
- prefigure a symbol
Usage tips
Religious, Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Event Precursor
Prefigure is used to indicate something that hints at events that will happen later.
The heavy clouds prefigured the approaching storm.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Indicators
Look for customs or behaviors in a culture that 'prefigure' future societal changes.
Traditional fairy tales often prefigure modern societal values.
Pro Tip 3/3Predictive Language
'Prefigure' should be used when describing something that is a clear indicator, not just a guess.
Early computer designs prefigured today's advanced technology.
Pro Tip 1/3Event Precursor
Prefigure is used to indicate something that hints at events that will happen later.
The heavy clouds prefigured the approaching storm.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Indicators
Look for customs or behaviors in a culture that 'prefigure' future societal changes.
Traditional fairy tales often prefigure modern societal values.
Pro Tip 3/3Predictive Language
'Prefigure' should be used when describing something that is a clear indicator, not just a guess.
Early computer designs prefigured today's advanced technology.
Pro Tip 1/3Event Precursor
Prefigure is used to indicate something that hints at events that will happen later.
The heavy clouds prefigured the approaching storm.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Indicators
Look for customs or behaviors in a culture that 'prefigure' future societal changes.
Traditional fairy tales often prefigure modern societal values.
Pro Tip 3/3Predictive Language
'Prefigure' should be used when describing something that is a clear indicator, not just a guess.
Early computer designs prefigured today's advanced technology.
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