What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preknowledge
Example
Her preknowledge of the subject helped her to excel in the class. [preknowledge: noun]
Example
I had some preknowledge of the company's history before the interview. [pre- + knowledge: prefix + noun]
foreknowledge
Example
The psychic claimed to have foreknowledge of the upcoming disaster. [foreknowledge: noun]
Example
He had a sense of foreknowledge about the outcome of the game. [fore- + knowledge: prefix + noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preknowledge is more commonly used than foreknowledge in everyday language, especially in academic or technical contexts. Foreknowledge is less common and is more often used in religious or mystical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preknowledge and foreknowledge?
Both words are formal and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, preknowledge may be more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, while foreknowledge may have a more mystical or supernatural connotation, making it more suitable for formal or religious contexts.
