prearrange
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /priːərˈeɪndʒ/
US
- /ˌpriərˈeɪndʒ/
Description
- plan ahead
- schedule in advance
- organize beforehand
Imagine you're throwing a surprise party for your best friend. You wouldn't just hope everyone shows up at the right time – you'd *prearrange* everything! That means planning it all out in advance: booking the venue, sending invitations, coordinating decorations, and making sure the cake is ordered.
To prearrange something is to make plans or arrangements for it before it happens. It's about taking care of details ahead of time to ensure things go smoothly. You might *prearrange a meeting with your boss, prearrange transportation to the airport, or even prearrange* payment for a service. It takes the stress out of last-minute scrambling!
To prearrange means to make preparations for something before it actually happens – essentially, to plan and organize in advance. It's more than just thinking about doing something; it involves taking concrete steps to ensure everything is set up and ready to go when the time comes.
The word suggests a level of foresight and control. You *prearrange things when you want to minimize uncertainty or avoid potential problems. Think of a complex event like a wedding – every detail, from the flowers to the seating chart, is carefully prearranged* months in advance.
However, prearranging isn't limited to big events. It can apply to everyday situations too. You might *prearrange childcare for an important appointment, or prearrange with a colleague to cover your work while you're on vacation. Sometimes it implies a formal agreement: "The terms of the deal were prearranged* before the meeting."
While similar to "plan" or "schedule," prearrange emphasizes the prior nature of the arrangement – that things are settled and confirmed beforehand, leaving less room for improvisation. It's about proactively shaping events rather than reacting to them as they unfold.
So, if you're taking steps now to ensure a smooth outcome later, you're likely *prearranging* something!
Examples
- 1
Transportation
We prearranged a taxi to take us from the airport to the hotel.
- 2
Office visit
Please prearrange your visit with the office before you come.
Pattern
prearrange + thing with + person/group
agree the details with them first
- 3
Conference package
The conference fee includes prearranged hotel bookings and meals.
- 4
Workplace plan
I prearranged with my manager to leave early on Friday.
Pattern
prearrange with + person to + verb
agree a plan with them in advance
- 5
Secret signal
They recognized each other by using a prearranged signal at the station.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- prearrangeverb
Forms
- prearrangedpast tenseverb
- prearrangesverb
- prearranging-ing formverb