Spanish word

prehistoria

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾeisˈtoɾja/

Meaning

  • feminine nounprehistory

Example

La prehistoria es el período anterior a la escritura.

Prehistory is the period before writing.

Illustration for prehistoria (prehistory)

More examples

¿Has leído un libro sobre la prehistoria?

Have you read a book about prehistory?

Core concept

A timeline of human life reconstructed from artifacts and ruins.

Common phrases

  • hablar sobre la prehistoria

    talk about prehistory

  • leer sobre la prehistoria

    read about prehistory

Similar words

arqueología: Field that analyzes excavated artifacts and ruins to interpret ancient lifeways.
paleolítico: Phase of the Stone Age in which people subsist by hunting and gathering with simple tools.
neolítico: Phase of the Stone Age in which communities practice farming and live in permanent settlements.
historia antigua: Ancient historical era attested by written records and inscriptions.

Definition in Spanish

Época anterior a los registros escritos que se reconstruye mediante la arqueología y la evidencia material.

Word origin

Borrowed into Spanish via Latin praehistoria, built from prae- 'before' plus historia 'account', originally meaning the period before written sources.

Usage tips

  • Common in textbooks and exhibit labels; avoid using prehistoria for periods that already have written records, where siglo or época is more precise.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word