Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

preterite

noun
ˈprɛtəˌrit
Definition
A verb tense used to describe actions that were completed in the past.
Examples
  • She finished her homework yesterday.
  • They traveled to France last summer.
  • He studied for the exam last night.
Meaning
The preterite tense indicates a specific time in the past when an action occurred, often conveying that the action has no relation to the present.
Synonyms
  • simple past
  • past tense