How Do You Spell PREFIGURE?

Pronunciation: [pɹɪfˈɪɡə] (IPA)

Prefigure (/priːˈfɪɡə(r)/) is a verb that means to be a sign or indication of something to come. The spelling of the word prefigure is derived from Middle English, from Old French prefigurer, from Latin praefigurare, which means ‘to represent beforehand.’ The prefix ‘pre-’ means beforehand, and ‘-figure’ means to represent or depict. The sound of the word prefigure is pronounced as PREE-FIG-UH, with emphasis on the first syllable, followed by a rapid delivery of the rest of the word.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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PREFIGURE Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "prefigure" is a transitive verb referring to the act of serving as an early indication or foreshadowing something that will occur in the future. It is often used to describe an event, action, or person that anticipates or predicts a later development or outcome. Prefiguring is commonly associated with being a preview or harbinger of things to come.

    When "prefigure" is employed, it implies that the present occurrence or entity is reminiscent of a future event, giving a glimpse into what lies ahead. It involves the act of symbolically embodying or signifying a forthcoming situation, serving as a prototype or model that others can anticipate or compare to.

    This concept can be found in various contexts, including literature, art, religion, and historical analysis. In literature, for example, certain characters may prefigure the hero's journey or represent types that will appear later in the story. In religious contexts, prophets or prophecies may prefigure the coming of a higher power or divine being.

    Overall, "prefigure" encapsulates the idea of acting as a precursor or an early representation, providing insight into what will unfold in the future. It highlights the ability of individuals, events, or objects to serve as meaningful indicators or signs of what is yet to come.

  2. To show in antecedent types or similitudes; to foreshadow.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PREFIGURE

Etymology of PREFIGURE

The word "prefigure" derives from the combination of two Latin roots: "prae-", meaning "before", and "figura", meaning "a shape or form". The Latin term "praefigurare" was formed by merging these two roots, and it meant "to represent or depict beforehand" or "to foreshadow". This Latin term later evolved into Middle French as "prefigurer", and eventually entered the English language in the 16th century as "prefigure". It retained its original meaning of "to foreshadow or anticipate" something that will happen in the future.

Similar spelling words for PREFIGURE

Conjugate verb Prefigure

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have prefigured
you would have prefigured
he/she/it would have prefigured
we would have prefigured
they would have prefigured
I would have prefigure
you would have prefigure
he/she/it would have prefigure
we would have prefigure
they would have prefigure

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been prefiguring
you would have been prefiguring
he/she/it would have been prefiguring
we would have been prefiguring
they would have been prefiguring

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would prefigure
you would prefigure
he/she/it would prefigure
we would prefigure
they would prefigure

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be prefiguring
you would be prefiguring
he/she/it would be prefiguring
we would be prefiguring
they would be prefiguring

FUTURE

I will prefigure
you will prefigure
he/she/it will prefigure
we will prefigure
they will prefigure

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be prefiguring
you will be prefiguring
he/she/it will be prefiguring
we will be prefiguring
they will be prefiguring

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have prefigured
you will have prefigured
he/she/it will have prefigured
we will have prefigured
they will have prefigured

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been prefiguring
you will have been prefiguring
he/she/it will have been prefiguring
we will have been prefiguring
they will have been prefiguring

IMPERATIVE

you prefigure
we let´s prefigure

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to prefigure

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was prefiguring
you were prefiguring
he/she/it was prefiguring
we were prefiguring
they were prefiguring

PAST PARTICIPLE

prefigured

PAST PERFECT

I had prefigured
you had prefigured
he/she/it had prefigured
we had prefigured
they had prefigured

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been prefiguring
you had been prefiguring
he/she/it had been prefiguring
we had been prefiguring
they had been prefiguring

PRESENT

I prefigure
you prefigure
he/she/it prefigures
we prefigure
they prefigure

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am prefiguring
you are prefiguring
he/she/it is prefiguring
we are prefiguring
they are prefiguring

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

prefiguring

PRESENT PERFECT

I have prefigured
you have prefigured
he/she/it has prefigured
we have prefigured
they have prefigured

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been prefiguring
you have been prefiguring
he/she/it has been prefiguring
we have been prefiguring
they have been prefiguring

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it prefigure

SIMPLE PAST

I prefigured
you prefigured
he/she/it prefigured
we prefigured
they prefigured

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Correct spelling for prefigure
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