prefigure
/pɹiːfɪɡjɚ/
Group 34Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To be an early indication or version of something GRE
Example in Context
The regional conflicts of the previous decade prefigured the larger confrontation that now engulfed the entire continent.
Etymology
To shape something before it becomes real, hence an early indication.
- prae- (Latin) — before
- figurare (Latin) — to shape
Memory Aid
🔮Sounds like “pre-figure”
With my crystal ball, I can PRE-FIGURE the future — like predicting my cat's next weird behavior!
Visual Association
🔮A fortune teller gazing into a crystal ball, revealing hints of future events.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “prefigure” mean on the GRE?
prefigure (verb) means “To be an early indication or version of something”. The regional conflicts of the previous decade prefigured the larger confrontation that now engulfed the entire continent.
How to remember “prefigure” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “prefigure” sounds like “pre-figure”. With my crystal ball, I can PRE-FIGURE the future — like predicting my cat's next weird behavior!