Meaning & use
preemptively
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Meaning
adverb
Acting in advance to stop a possible problem or to get an advantage before others do.
Grammar: Modifies a verb, often at the end: 'They acted preemptively.'
Patterns
- act preemptively
- strike preemptively
- address something preemptively
The company preemptively recalled the product before any injuries were reported.
She preemptively apologized for the delay, even though no one had complained.
The government preemptively raised interest rates to slow inflation.
Common combinations
- preemptively strike
- The general decided to preemptively strike the enemy's supply lines.
- preemptively address
- The manager preemptively addressed the staff's concerns about the new schedule.
- preemptively apologize
- He preemptively apologized for any confusion the email might cause.
- preemptively ban
- The city preemptively banned fireworks due to the dry weather.
Synonyms and how they differ
- proactively
- Focuses on taking control and making things happen, not just preventing a specific problem.
- in advance
- A general phrase meaning before something happens; it does not suggest preventing a problem.
Opposites
Word family
- preempt verb
- To take action to prevent something or to take someone's place.
- preemptive adjective
- Done in advance to stop a problem or gain an advantage.
Commonly confused: preemptively or presumptively?
preemptively vs presumptively
Means 'based on a presumption or assumption,' not 'in advance.'
Practice
The airline ______ canceled flights before the storm arrived, avoiding chaos at the airport.
Choose one answer.
'Preemptively' is the adverb needed to modify 'canceled.' 'Preemptive' is an adjective and would need a noun, while 'preempt' is a verb and does not fit after 'canceled.'
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “preemptively”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.