We often find English words that seem to be similar. Sometimes the terms are used in other areas rather than linguistics, which is the case of the two words we will talk about today.
Prepend and append both mean to attach. Prepend is used when you attach something at the beginning. Append is to attach something at the end.
Both of these terms are also used in computer programming. Let’s find out more details about “prepend” and “append.”
Understanding The Terms “Prepend” And “Append”
Before we get into further details about these words, let’s start by understanding their meaning, where they come from.
Etymology
To understand the etymology of both terms, let’s split them from their root. We have the prefix “pre-” in prepend.
The root word pend comes directly from the Latin word “pendere.” Pendere, pendō, pendeō were used in Latin to express that something was hanging or suspended. It also had a symbolic meaning to describe when someone was contemplating an idea before making a decision.
When it comes to the prefix “pre-,” it comes from the Latin word “prae,” which meant “before.”
The word “append” appeared in English around the 14th century as “appenden.” The term came from the French expression appendre. The French got it from the Latin term appendere. Its meaning remains the same throughout all languages; people use the term to express the action of being attached to something.
Meaning Of Prepend And Append
There are several meanings around the terms prepend and append. Both words are closely related to each other. Let’s see some of the most common definitions and the differences between them.
Meanings Of Append
- To add an element
- To attach something
- To add something at the end
- To hang something
Meanings Of Prepend
- To consider something
- To premeditate an action
- To add something extra at the beginning
How People Use These Terms
As we mentioned, both terms are part of English and computer programming vocabulary. Programming languages use similar resources to the ones we use to talk. Furthermore, creating computer programs requires syntax.
Most programming languages use English words to send instructions to the computer. In the end, programming is talking to a computer to give it instructions so that it can reply with the desired outcome.
Now let’s see how people use the terms append and prepend in linguistics and computer programming.
In Linguistics
According to The Google Books Ngram Viewer, the word “prepend” reached its usage peak in 2008. You can use the word “prepend” to correct others or point out they missed something they should have added at the beginning of their text.
You can also use “prepend” as a noun. It will convey the same meaning as the verb. Another way people use this word is to refer to when a person is planning something beforehand or is weighing their options.
The word append is a formal word that people use to talk about adding more details at the end of specific documentation. The word was widely used back in the 19th century, but its use has decreased over time.
“Prepend” and “append” are regular verbs. You will form the past tense and past participle by adding -ed at the end.
In Computer Programming
Prepend and append are both methods used in several programming languages.
The function append will add elements B at the end of element A, being A and B arrays or strings. Some programming languages that use this function include Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, C++, among others.
“Prepend” is a function that adds element B in front of element A, being A and B text, arrays, or strings. The procedure exists in front-end frameworks such as Bootstrap, Angular, Laravel. The method also exists in JavaScript, Ruby, Python, and some others.
How To Pronounce The Terms “Prepend” And “Append”
The IPA determines the symbol for “prepend” as /priːˈpɛnd/ while “append” will be represented as /əˈpɛnd/. As you can see, both words share some similitudes in their pronunciation.
To pronounce “append,” you will start with a schwa sound. The “a” sounds very soft and relaxed. Your lips should be separated yet not rounded; your tongue remains at the bottom of your mouth. The sound will come out of your throat. This first sound makes for the first syllable; now, you will pronounce the stressed syllable.
On the second syllable, you will close your lips together to make the “p” sound. The next is an unrounded vowel sound. Spread your lips; your tongue relaxes in your mouth while you make the /ɛ/ sound, the same as in the word “bed.” Quickly move your tongue up to touch your palate, vibrate your vocal cords to make the /n/ sound. Finally, close your teeth, place the tip of your tongue behind them. Push air from your throat and quickly release it to make the /d/ sound.
To pronounce the word “prepend,” you start with your lips closed while pushing air from your throat to make the /p/ sound. The second consonant is /r/, round your lips and tongue and vibrate your vocal cords to make the sound. Now, to move into the /iː/ sound, you will move your tongue into a relaxed position while spreading your lips apart. The second syllable sounds precisely the same as the second syllable in “append.”
Other Terms Related To “Prepend” And “Append”
Here’s a list of other terms you can use as synonyms and antonyms for the words “prepend” and “append.”
Synonyms To “Append” And “Prepend”
- Attach
- Complement
- Concatenate
- Affix
- Tag on
- Arrange
- Organize
- Add
- Aggregate
- Pair
Antonyms To “Append” And “Prepend”
- Detach
- Disconnect
- Separate
- Disassociate
- Isolate
- Part
- Take apart
- Tear Off
- Unfix
- Withdraw
Common Questions
What is the difference between append and amend?
Append is to add something to a primary thing. Amend is to make insignificant changes to something that has been written.
What is the opposite of append?
Some of the antonyms of the word append includes to detach, separate, and disconnect.
More Great Word Vs Word Posts
Example Sentences Using “Prepend” And “Append”
Here we have some sample sentences using the terms “prepend” and “append.”
- Our adviser has the right to append remarks to the final article.
- I will append a list of sources at the end of the meeting.
- In order to proceed, we need to append the client’s occupation, location, telephone number, or any other personal data.
- Mary kept this position for several years and firmly refused to append her signature to the inheritance document.
- You can keep your email’s signature or append a new one.
- You forgot to prepend “Many experts suggest” at the beginning of your speech.
- I don’t see how your suggestions can help solving this issue; I’m going to prepend it and keep the latest addition for later.
- Check your email; Katie sent you a new set of characters that you need to prepend at the beginning of your returning offer codes.
- You can try to prepend this variable to your path address.
- You don’t see a lot of people using words like prepend.
- The editor can either append or prepend comments to your file while you do the necessary corrections.
Final Thoughts
Prepend and append are two similar terms. People use them both to imply that something goes attached to another thing. Additionally, both words are functions in a few programming languages.
You probably won’t hear a lot of people using these words. Append is considered formal speaking, and its use has decreased over time. But, as they say, knowledge is power, which later leads to information and education.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.