Pre vs. Post – What’s the Difference? The word “pre” represents the longer phrase “prior to” and means “before” or “earlier than.”. In contrast, “post” comes from the word “posterior”, which means “later in time” or “after.”. There is also the prefix “peri”, which means something similar to “during” or “inside.”.

As prepositions the difference between post and pre is that post is after; especially after a significant event that has long-term ramifications while pre is before (something significant). As an adverb post is with the post, on post-horses; express, with speed, quickly.