Antedate
/ˌæn.tiˈdeɪt/
verbnounC1
Definition
Antedate as a verb means to happen or exist before something else in time. It can also mean to write a date on a paper that is earlier than the real date. As a noun, antedate is the earlier date itself. This word is often used in history, documents, or events.
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See It in Action
To be earlier in time than something else
- •The invention of the wheel antedates written history.
- •This fossil antedates the dinosaurs by millions of years.
- •Her memories antedate the photographs taken by her parents.
To put a date on a document that is earlier than the actual date
- •He antedated the contract to make it seem signed last month.
- •The check was antedated to avoid late fees.
- •Some people antedate letters to show they were sent earlier than they really were.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "antedate" like "before" (A1 word), but used for time and dates—something happens or is made to seem earlier than another thing.
- ✓Picture a calendar where you mark a day before today to show something started earlier.
- ✓It's the feeling when you realize a letter or document was written before you thought.
- ✓Sounds like "AN-tee-date" → imagine a date (day) with a little ant (small insect) walking in front of it, showing it comes earlier.
- ✓In stories, antedate helps us understand what happened first when events are mixed up.
- ✓NOT like "postdate" (which means to put a date after the real one), antedate means the opposite—earlier date.
- ✓NOT like "delay" (which means to make something happen later), antedate means to happen earlier.
- ✓NOT like "date" (just a day), antedate focuses on the order or timing before another event.
Try Other Words
- •Precede: to come before something in time or order (Use when talking about events or things happening earlier)
- •Backdate: to put a date earlier than the actual date on a document (Use specifically for documents or paperwork)
- •Predate: to happen before something else (Use in history or biology contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "ante-" (Latin prefix meaning "before") + "date" (a day or time)
- •Etymology: From Latin "ante" meaning before + English "date" meaning time or day
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe something earlier in time or to give an earlier date on papers
- •Modern usage: Used in history, law, and document work to talk about timing or official dates that come before others
Reflect & Connect
•How does changing a date on a document affect trust and honesty in daily life?
•Can you think of events in history that antedate others and why it is important to know the correct order?
Fill in the blanks
1.The discovery of fire ___ the invention of the wheel by thousands of years.
2.When you antedate a letter, you write a date ___ than the day you actually send it.
3.The fossil ___ the first appearance of mammals on Earth.
4.People sometimes antedate checks to ___ late payments or fees.
5.Unlike postdating, antedate means to set a date ___ the true date.
6.The evidence ___ the previously known events, changing the timeline.
7.If you antedate a document, you want it to appear as if it was created ___ than it really was.