'pre-' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'prae', where 'prae' meant 'before'.

'pre-' comes from Latin 'prae' (used as a prefix in Classical and Medieval Latin) and entered English via Old French and Medieval Latin usage as the prefix 'pre-'.

Initially, it meant 'before' in Latin, and over time it has retained this basic meaning in English as a productive prefix meaning 'before' or 'prior to'.