prelaw
|pre-law|
🇺🇸
/ˌpriːˈlɔ/
🇬🇧
/ˌpriːˈlɔː/
preparation before law school
Etymology
'prelaw' originates from English, specifically the prefix 'pre-' and the noun 'law', where 'pre-' comes from Latin 'prae' meaning 'before' and 'law' ultimately refers to rules or the legal system.
'prelaw' was formed in modern English as a compound of the prefix 'pre-' (from Latin 'prae', adopted into English via Middle English) and 'law' (from Old English 'lagu', influenced by Old Norse 'lagu'). The hyphenated form 'pre-law' has been commonly used in print; the closed form 'prelaw' also appears in modern usage.
Initially the elements meant simply 'before' + 'law' in a literal sense; over time the compound came to denote specifically preparatory study or status before entering formal legal education (law school).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a course of study, program, or designation for students preparing to apply to or attend law school; also used to refer to a student enrolled in such preparatory studies.
She is a prelaw student planning to apply to law school next year.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to courses, majors, or activities intended to prepare students for law school (e.g., prelaw courses, prelaw advising).
He took several prelaw classes last semester.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/04 23:16