Background for preterite

preterite

/ˈpɹɛtəɹət/

Illustration preterite - Image 1

noun

(grammar) The preterite tense, simple past tense: the grammatical tense that determines the specific initiation or termination of an action in the past.

Examples :

"In English class, we learned that the word "walked" is a preterite, indicating a completed action in the past. "

grammar language linguistics

Illustration preterite - Image 1

adjective

(grammar, of a tense) showing an action at a determined moment in the past.

Examples :

"The textbook explained that the preterite tense, like in the sentence "I walked to school yesterday," describes a completed action in the past. "

grammar language linguistics

Illustration preterite - Image 1

adjective

Belonging wholly to the past; passed by.

Examples :

"The preterite joys of summer vacation faded as the school year began. "

grammar language linguistics past time