What does prehistorically mean?
Prehistorically means in or with reference to prehistory, a term commonly used for the period before a culture began leaving written records. The adverb may describe how something was used, inhabited, or represented in prehistoric times, as in a statement that a settlement was occupied prehistorically. It can also indicate that something existed or occurred in a very ancient or remote past. The word is especially common in archaeology, anthropology, art history, and discussions of monuments, settlements, tools, and artistic traditions. Because written evidence is absent or incomplete for the relevant period, archaeological finds are often the principal basis for reconstructing prehistorical life. In general contexts, the adverb may sound deliberately elevated or literary.
adverbIn or with reference to the period before written records, or to a time or event earlier than recorded history.
- In or with reference to the period before written historical records.
"The settlement shows signs of having been inhabited prehistorically."
"The animal bones provide evidence that the region was inhabited prehistorically."
"The design combines motifs that occur prehistorically with elements drawn from classical art."
Prehistorically, people left traces of their lives without leaving written records of them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prehistorically come from?
The word derives from prehistoric, formed from the prefix pre-, meaning “before,” and historic, which comes through Latin from the Greek historia, meaning “inquiry” or “account of past events.” Prehistorically is an adverb formed from prehistoric with the suffix -ally. Words such as history, historic, historical, and historian belong to the same historical root family.
How prehistorically is actually used
The adverb is formal and most often used in archaeology, anthropology, history, and the arts. It generally refers to times before written records, although in some contexts it can mean very early or remote past.