pre-law
|pre-law|
/ˈpriː.lɔː/
before law school (preparatory)
Etymology
'pre-law' originates from the Latin prefix 'prae-' (via English prefix 'pre-'), meaning 'before', combined with the English word 'law' (originally from Old Norse/Old English), where 'pre-' meant 'before' and 'law' meant 'that which is laid down or established'.
'pre-law' was formed in modern English by combining the prefix 'pre-' with the noun 'law' in the 20th century to describe preparatory studies before entering law school; 'law' itself traces back to Old English/Old Norse words such as 'lagu'/'lǫg' meaning 'something laid down'.
Initially a literal compound meaning 'before law', it evolved into a specialized academic term meaning 'preparatory studies or status before law school'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a course of study or the status of a student preparing for law school; studies taken prior to attending law school.
She is majoring in pre-law to prepare for law school.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or intended as preparation for law school (e.g., courses, programs, or advising aimed at future law students).
He took a pre-law course in constitutional law.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/03 09:45