prefigure

/pri:'figə/

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Explanation of the Word "Prefigure"

Definition: The verb "prefigure" means to suggest or indicate something that will happen in the future, often through signs or symbols. It can also mean to imagine or think about something before it actually happens.

Advanced Usage:

In more complex contexts, "prefigure" can be used to discuss themes in literature or art. For example, "The artist's early work prefigures the style he would later become famous for."

Word Variants:

• Prefiguration (noun): The act of prefiguring something. Example: "The prefiguration of the character’s fate was clear from the beginning of the novel."
• Prefigured (past tense): Used to describe something that has already been indicated or foreshadowed. Example: "The signs had prefigured the outcome of the event."

Different Meanings:

While "prefigure" primarily means to indicate something beforehand, it can also imply making an educated guess or hypothesis about future events based on current signs.

Synonyms:

• Foreshadow
• Indicate
• Predict
• Signify
• Portend

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "prefigure" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you can use phrases like: - "See the writing on the wall," which means to recognize signs of something bad that will happen. - "Read between the lines," which involves understanding the deeper meaning or implications of something.

Summary:

In summary, "prefigure" is a useful word for expressing the idea of predicting or indicating future events.

Academic

Verb

1. indicate by signs
   • These signs bode bad news
2. imagine or consider beforehand
   • It wasn't as bad as I had prefigured