Meaning & use
prerequisites
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“prerequisites” is a form of “prerequisite”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Things that must exist or be done first before something else can happen or be allowed.
Grammar: Plural of prerequisite: the prerequisites are listed online; one condition is a prerequisite.
Patterns
- prerequisites for something
- prerequisites to something
Check the prerequisites before enrolling, because the advanced course expects two earlier modules.
Trust and open communication are prerequisites for a healthy team.
The software has few prerequisites; you only need a recent browser.
nounplural
Courses a student must have passed before being allowed to sign up for a more advanced course.
Grammar: Typically in university settings: the prerequisites for Chemistry 201.
Patterns
- the prerequisites for a course
Her prerequisites for the nursing program included biology and statistics.
The registrar will not let you register until all prerequisites are marked complete.
Word forms
| singular | prerequisite |
|---|
Common combinations
- meet the prerequisites
- Applicants must meet the prerequisites before they can sit the exam.
- basic prerequisites
- Curiosity and patience are the basic prerequisites for learning a language.
- course prerequisites
- Course prerequisites are shown beside each listing.
- prerequisites for success
- Good sleep is among the prerequisites for success in exams.
- waive the prerequisites
- The professor agreed to waive the prerequisites for transfer students.
Synonyms and how they differ
- requirements
- It is broader and covers any condition at all, while prerequisites must come before something else.
- preconditions
- It is more formal and abstract, often used about agreements or logical conditions rather than courses.
- essentials
- It means things that are vital, not necessarily things that must happen first.
Opposites
Word family
- prerequisite noun
- one required condition
- prerequisite adjective
- required beforehand: a prerequisite course
- requisite adjective
- necessary for a purpose
- require verb
- to need or demand
- requirement noun
- something needed
Commonly confused: prerequisites or perquisites?
prerequisites vs perquisites
Perquisites, or perks, are benefits that come with a job, such as a company car; prerequisites are conditions required first.
Practice
You cannot take Physics 2 until you have met the ___ listed in the course catalog.
Choose one answer.
Prerequisites are courses or conditions needed beforehand. Perquisites sounds similar but means job perks, which would not block enrollment.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “prerequisites”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.