prerecord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “prerecord” mean?
To record sound or video before it is broadcast or used.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To record sound or video before it is broadcast or used.
To create a fixed, reproducible version of audio or visual content in advance of its intended presentation or distribution, often for efficiency or quality control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'prerecord' is standard in both. The hyphenated form 'pre-record' is also common, especially in British English, though the solid form is increasingly accepted.
Connotations
No significant connotative difference. Slightly more formal/technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both, given its technical nature. More common in professional/industry discourse than everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “prerecord” in a Sentence
[subject] + prerecord + [direct object] (e.g., We prerecorded the interview.)[subject] + be + prerecorded (e.g., The show was prerecorded.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prerecord” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to prerecord the voiceovers for the documentary next Tuesday.
- Most radio shows are prerecorded on a Friday.
American English
- The network decided to prerecord the awards show due to scheduling conflicts.
- You can prerecord your presentation and play it back during the meeting.
adverb
British English
- The interview was conducted prerecorded, not live. (less common, often 'was prerecorded' preferred)
American English
- The segment was shot prerecorded. (less common, often 'was prerecorded' preferred)
adjective
British English
- It was a prerecorded message, not a live caller.
- The show uses prerecorded segments for the musical interludes.
American English
- The audience knew it was a prerecorded performance.
- She left a prerecorded voicemail greeting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for pre-prepared training videos or investor announcements.
Academic
Rare; might describe methodology for recording stimuli for an experiment.
Everyday
Discussing TV shows, radio programmes, or voicemail messages.
Technical
Standard term in broadcasting, audio engineering, and video production.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prerecord”
- Using 'pre-recorded' as a verb (e.g., 'They pre-recorded it' is fine, but 'They prerecorded it' is the base form). Confusing with 'record' without the temporal 'pre-' aspect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be written as one word ('prerecord') or with a hyphen ('pre-record'). The solid form is common, especially in American English, while the hyphenated form is frequent in British English. Both are correct.
The past participle 'prerecorded' functions as an adjective (e.g., 'a prerecorded tape'). The base form 'prerecord' is a verb.
'Record' is the general act of capturing audio/video. 'Prerecord' specifies that this capture happens *in advance* of its intended use, broadcast, or presentation, contrasting with 'live'.
It is neutral but leans towards formal or technical registers. In casual conversation, people might say 'recorded earlier' or 'taped in advance', but 'prerecord(ed)' is standard in media and professional contexts.
To record sound or video before it is broadcast or used.
Prerecord: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpriːrɪˈkɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpriːrɪˈkɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this verb.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PREpare + RECORD = PRERECORD. You do the recording PRE-liminarily.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER (the recording is placed into a time container 'before' the event).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of prerecording something?