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Prequel

UK //ˈpriːkwəl//US //ˈpriːkwəl//

Definition

A narrative that occurs before an established story, detailing background events.

In simple words: A story that happens before another story.

Examples

  • The new movie is a prequel to the popular series, showing the characters' early lives.
  • Fans were excited for the prequel because it explores the origins of the main villain.
  • The author wrote a prequel that gave more depth to the original story.
  • Each prequel in the franchise helps build the world and explain key events.
  • The video game serves as a prequel, detailing events that led up to the first game.

Usage notes

Use 'prequel' when discussing stories, movies, or books that lead up to a main event or story. It’s often used informally in discussions about franchises or series.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'pre-' as before; a prequel is 'before the sequel'.

Collocations

  • release a prequel
  • write a prequel
  • set in a prequel

Synonyms

  • origin story
  • backstory
  • prologue
  • antecedent
  • foreword

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'sequel', which is a story that follows the original.
  • Using 'prequel' for unrelated stories or standalone works.
  • Mistakenly thinking 'prequel' only applies to books or films and not other media.