What does prewar mean?
Prewar is an adjective meaning existing, belonging to, or characteristic of the period before a war. In contemporary English it most often evokes the years before World War II, as in “prewar Europe,” “prewar fashions,” or “the prewar period,” although it can also refer more generally to the period before World War I or another specified conflict. The word is neutral as a historical label, but its cultural associations can be strong: references to prewar glamour, art, or architecture often carry a nostalgic or sophisticated tone, while discussions of prewar politics or prewar promises may emphasize the instability and anxiety leading toward war. Both British and American English use the word, commonly written as one word or hyphenated as “pre-war.” Unlike “wartime,” which describes the conflict itself, and “postwar,” which describes what followed it, “prewar” fixes attention on the conditions, culture, and expectations that existed before the fighting began. It is therefore especially useful when an author wants to contrast a prior state of affairs with wartime or postwar realities.
adjectiveExisting, belonging to, or characteristic of the period before a war. It is especially associated with the period before World War II but can refer to the period before World War I or another specified conflict.
- Existing or occurring before a war, especially before World War II.
"The museum has assembled an impressive collection of prewar European paintings."
"Her grandfather spoke proudly of prewar life in Vienna."
"The novel contrasts the sleepy prewar town with the uncertainty of the years that followed."
In fashion and design, “prewar” can evoke both the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s and the catastrophe that followed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prewar come from?
Prewar is an English compound formed from the prefix “pre-,” meaning “before,” and the noun “war.” The compound was used in early twentieth-century English in reference to World War I and later became especially associated with the period before World War II. It shares its root with “warfare,” “wartime,” and “warship,” while “postwar” is a parallel compound formed on the same pattern.
How prewar is actually used
The word is generally neutral as a historical description, but references to prewar glamour or culture can sound nostalgic, while references to prewar politics or promises may suggest mounting instability. Both “prewar” and “pre-war” are common in British and American English.
Easily confused with prewar
“Prewar” refers to the period before a war, whereas “postwar” refers to the period after it.
“Prewar” describes the time preceding a conflict, while “wartime” describes conditions during the conflict itself.