Pre-

[Latin prae, adv. & prep., before, akin to pro, and to English for, prep.: compare French pré-. See Pro-, and compare Prior.]

A prefix denoting priority (of time, place, or rank); as, precede, to go before; precursor, a forerunner; prefix, to fix or place before; preeminent eminent before or above others. Pre- is sometimes used intensively, as in prepotent, very potent.