precondition
UK: ˌpriːkənˈdɪʃən | US: ˌpriːkənˈdɪʃn̩
n. a condition or requirement that must be fulfilled beforehand.
vt. to establish or prepare conditions in advance.
The word "precondition" combines the Latin-derived prefix "pre-" (meaning "before") with the noun "condition" (from Latin condicio, meaning "agreement" or "requirement"). The term emerged in the 17th century, reflecting the logical idea of a prerequisite—a state or action necessary prior to another event. The morphemes retain their original spelling and meaning, making the compound transparent for learners.
A strong economy is often a precondition for social stability.
The contract lists several preconditions for funding approval.
Researchers preconditioned the lab mice to the environment before testing.
Meeting the preconditions ensured a smooth negotiation process.
The software update requires preconditions like sufficient storage space.