Prepose

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To place something before another in order or preference; to give priority or precedence over something else; to appoint someone to a position of authority ahead of others
2. To arrange or rank one item ahead of another in sequence; to prioritize tasks or individuals by assigning them higher status; to designate a person to act in charge temporarily or officially
3. To set or position one element before others in importance or position; to elevate someone above others in rank or consideration; to name someone as a representative or supervisor previously in a hierarchy

Etymology: "Prepose" is built from two parts that each carry their own history. The prefix "pre-" comes from Latin "prae," meaning "before," and the verb it attaches to, "pose," comes from the Old French "poser," to place or set down. Put together in French as "préposer," the word meant to place someone or something in a position, and English borrowed that sense of setting one thing before another. The English verb keeps that physical image of placing something in front. To prepose an item is to put it ahead of others in a sequence, and the same logic extends to people: to prepose someone is to give them a higher rank or a temporary charge. The meaning moved from arranging objects on a line to arranging people in an order of importance.

Synonyms: precede, place before, put ahead, advance, prioritize

Antonyms: postpose, delay, postpone, put after, follow