C1 noun Formal #8,765 most common

prerequisite

/ˌpriːˈrekwəzɪt/

A prerequisite is a requirement that must be fulfilled before a specific course can be taken or a particular task can be performed. It refers to a necessary condition that must be met in advance for something else to happen or exist.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Having a valid driver's license is a prerequisite for this delivery job.

Having a valid driver's license is a mandatory condition for this delivery job.

2

A master's degree is a prerequisite for admission to the doctoral program.

A master's degree is a mandatory requirement for entering the doctoral program.

3

I told him that honesty is a prerequisite for being my friend.

I told him that being honest is a necessary condition for being my friend.

Word Family

Noun
prerequisite
Adjective
prerequisite
Related
requisition
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Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'Pre' (meaning before) and 'Requisite' (meaning required). It is something 'required before'.

Quick Quiz

Passing the introductory exam is a ________ for the advanced certification course.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Examples

1

Having a valid driver's license is a prerequisite for this delivery job.

everyday

Having a valid driver's license is a mandatory condition for this delivery job.

2

A master's degree is a prerequisite for admission to the doctoral program.

formal

A master's degree is a mandatory requirement for entering the doctoral program.

3

I told him that honesty is a prerequisite for being my friend.

informal

I told him that being honest is a necessary condition for being my friend.

4

Students must complete Biology 101 as it is a prerequisite for the advanced genetics module.

academic

Students must finish Biology 101 because it is a required course before the advanced genetics module.

5

Securing sufficient capital is a prerequisite for the successful launch of any startup.

business

Obtaining enough capital is a necessary prior condition for the successful launch of any startup.

Word Family

Noun
prerequisite
Adjective
prerequisite
Related
requisition

Common Collocations

meet the prerequisite to fulfill the mandatory requirement
essential prerequisite a must-have prior condition
academic prerequisite a course requirement for schooling
prerequisite for success something needed in advance to succeed
lack the prerequisites to not have the necessary qualifications

Common Phrases

prerequisite course

a class that must be completed before another

prerequisite knowledge

information one must have beforehand

as a prerequisite

acting as a necessary condition

Often Confused With

prerequisite vs perquisite

A perquisite (or perk) is an extra benefit or privilege, while a prerequisite is a mandatory requirement.

prerequisite vs corequisite

A corequisite is a course that must be taken at the same time, whereas a prerequisite must be completed before starting.

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Usage Notes

Prerequisite is frequently used in university catalogs and job descriptions. It can function as both a noun and an adjective (e.g., 'the prerequisite course').

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Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 'prerequisite' with 'perquisite' because they sound similar. Another mistake is forgetting the 'e' after the first 'r'.

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Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'Pre' (meaning before) and 'Requisite' (meaning required). It is something 'required before'.

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Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'prae' (before) and 'requirere' (to require).

Grammar Patterns

prerequisite for [something] prerequisite to [doing something] countable noun: prerequisites
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Cultural Context

In North American and European higher education, 'prereqs' are a standard part of the modular degree system that dictates student progression.

Quick Quiz

Passing the introductory exam is a ________ for the advanced certification course.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

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