precondition

/ˌˈprikənˌdɪʃən/

Other forms: preconditions; preconditioned; preconditioning

A precondition is a prerequisite. It’s the thing that has to happen before something else happens. For example, as a precondition to getting your allowance, you might have to give the dog a hairdo once a week.

Precondition is often used in the negative – when world leaders meet to discuss something, they might ask for no preconditions. Clean slate. On the other hand, good grades are sometimes a precondition for joining the school basketball team. Applying for a new job can be frustrating when you realize that experience is a precondition, but you're not sure how to get the experience without getting a job. When it's a verb, precondition means to prepare something (or someone).

Definitions of precondition

1. noun

   a condition that is a prerequisite
   type of:

   prerequisite, requirement

   something that is required in advance
2. noun

   an assumption on which rests the validity or effect of something else
   synonyms: condition, stipulation

   types:

   boundary condition

   (mathematics) a condition specified for the solution to a set of differential equations

   provision, proviso

   a stipulated condition

   type of:

   assumption, premise, premiss

   a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
3. noun

   an assumption that is taken for granted
   synonyms: given, presumption

   type of:

   assumption, supposal, supposition

   a hypothesis that is taken for granted
4. verb

   put into the required condition beforehand
   type of:

   fix, gear up, prepare, ready, set, set up

   make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc