ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prepaid

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //pɹiˈpeɪd// UK //pɹɪpˈeɪd// pre·paid

adj. paid for in advance, before you actually use the service or get the item.

adj. relating to a service or item for which payment is made in advance of its use or receipt. Often used to describe telecommunications or shipping services.


SIMPLE

I have a prepaid phone card for my trip.

CONTEXTUAL

The courier service requires a prepaid label to be attached to the package before they will collect it from the office.

COMPLEX

While contract plans offer lower per-minute rates, many users prefer prepaid options to maintain strict control over their monthly expenditures and avoid unexpected roaming charges.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; often contrasted with 'postpaid' or 'contract-based' services.

Pitfall

I have a phone prepaidI have a prepaid phoneAs an adjective, it must precede the noun it modifies rather than following it.

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