preform

As a verb, preform means to make or form something before something else happens, or during a preliminary stage. As a noun, a preform is an object in its initial form, before it is completed with additional work.

When used as a verb, preform can refer to forming an abstract thing, such as an idea or opinion, or a tangible thing, such as a sculpture, piece of clothing, or other manufactured item. When used as a noun, preform typically refers to a physical object (like that sculpture or piece of clothing) that is intended to be finished with additional crafting. It is sometimes hyphenated as pre-form.

Example: Don’t preform an opinion about Grace before you even meet her.

Preform originally comes from the Latin word praefōrmāre, and the first records of its use come from around 1600. Preform is formed with the prefix pre-, meaning “before.”

The question is, before what? When it comes to preforming something, whether it’s a judgment or a garment, the word implies that there will be another step, or another stage in the process. If you preform an opinion, it means you have formed it before you have all relevant information. As a result, this use of the word often has a negative sense.

If you preform a sculpture, it means you make a rough shape (a preform) that you intend to continue working on. For this reason, the word is typically used by various types of artists or those who manufacture things.

What are some synonyms for preform?

• prefab
• prefabricate

What are some words that share a root or word element with preform?

• prefix 
• formulate
• prefigure
• preformation
• preexist

What are some words preform may be commonly confused with?

• perform

Preform is usually used in the context of art or manufacturing or to refer to someone who has formed a preconceived notion.

There'll be some tinkering to even these up, but the essential pre-form is done! pic.twitter.com/8DgUn3VLdl

— Katy Whitaker (@artefactual_KW) April 14, 2018

'A nameless, unknown force operates in the soul, or a pre-form of life that perhaps effects miracles, if miracles are allowed… and the only thing that I can allow myself is to be myself. Awareness liberates permission and permits the miracle.'
― Leonora Carrington

— Luciana Lupe Vasconcelos (@luciferovs) November 6, 2018

How to Sketch a Fashion Illustration Ep1 Paris Fashion Week Chanel Dress Pre-form Sketch https://t.co/UUGkwO7Jjl

— Modernist Agency (@modernistagency) January 16, 2017

Is preform used correctly in the following sentence?

This is not the finished sculpture—it is just a preform that will be further molded and added to.