prefigurative
|pre-fig-u-ra-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˌpriːfɪɡəˈreɪtɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˌpriːfɪɡjʊəˈreɪtɪv/
representing or foreshadowing beforehand
Etymology
'prefigurative' originates from Latin elements: 'prae-' and 'figurare' (from 'figura'), where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'figurare' meant 'to form or shape.'
'prefigurative' developed via the verb 'prefigure' (from Medieval Latin 'praefigurare' and Middle English forms) and the adjective-forming suffix '-ative', ultimately yielding the modern English adjective 'prefigurative'.
Initially related to the idea of 'shaping or representing beforehand', it came to be used adjectivally to mean 'serving to prefigure; foreshadowing'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
serving to prefigure or foreshadow; suggesting or representing something in advance.
The novel uses prefigurative imagery to hint at events that will occur later.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/26 03:41