What does the prefix 'pre/pro' signify?

The prefix 'pre/pro' signifies the meaning of 'before' or 'in front of.' In various contexts, it indicates that something occurs prior to a specific event or point in time. For instance, the term 'preliminary' refers to events or actions that happen before the main event or conclusion, while 'proactive' implies taking action in anticipation of future events, effectively indicating a position of readiness before circumstances arise. This prefix is essential in distinguishing timings and sequences in various fields, such as medicine, project management, and linguistics, among others. Understanding this prefix helps one grasp a wide range of terms that describe relationships in time and order.