What is an appropriate prefix for a word that means "before"?

The appropriate prefix for a word that means "before" is "ante-." This prefix is derived from Latin, where "ante" directly translates to "before," and it is commonly used in English to form words that convey the idea of something occurring prior to another event or time. For instance, in the word "antebellum," it describes a time before a war. This makes it clear that "ante-" is the correct choice when seeking a prefix that signifies "before."

In contrast, the other prefixes are used to convey different meanings. "Post-" indicates "after," suggesting a sequence where something occurs subsequent to another event. "Inter-" often relates to "between" or "among," focusing on connections or interactions that take place in the middle of events. "Sub-" indicates "under" or "below," used to denote something that is beneath or lesser in some way. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why "ante-" is specifically aligned with the meaning of "before."