What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
presettlement
Example
The presettlement landscape of the Great Plains was vastly different from what it is today. [presettlement: adjective]
Example
The presettlement forests were much denser and more diverse than they are now. [presettlement: noun]
prehistoric
Example
The prehistoric cave paintings provide insight into early human culture. [prehistoric: adjective]
Example
The prehistoric era saw the rise and fall of many ancient civilizations. [prehistoric: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prehistoric is more commonly used than presettlement in everyday language. Prehistoric covers a wider range of contexts and is often used in popular media and literature. Presettlement is a more specialized term used primarily in academic or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between presettlement and prehistoric?
Presettlement is a more formal term than prehistoric, which is more commonly used in casual conversation and popular media.