The correct spelling of the word "de predates" is actually "deprecates" (/dɪˈprekəts/). This word means to express disapproval or criticism for something. The spelling can be confusing because of the pronunciation, where the emphasis is on the second syllable (de-PRE-cates) rather than the third. The prefix "de-" means "to reduce" or "to remove," while "precates" refers to speaking out against something. It is important to keep the correct spelling in mind to avoid confusion and effectively communicate in written language.
The phrase de predates is not commonly used or recognized as a word in English. It appears to be a combination of the prefix de- and the word predates. However, predates is a verb that means something existed or occurred earlier in time than something else.
If you meant to ask about the etymology of the word predates, it comes from the Latin word praedatum, which means taken before. The prefix pre- means before, and the verb date refers to determining or establishing the time or place something originated or came into existence. So, the term predates essentially means to exist or occur before.