Preceded: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'praecedere', where 'prae-' means before, and 'cedere' means to go.
• The term has been part of the English language since the 15th century, evolving to describe order in time or place.
• Historically, it was often used in legal and formal contexts to denote priority in events or documents.

Literature

• In literary analysis, understanding what preceded a narrative is crucial for grasping character motivations and plot developments.
• Many classic stories have prefaces that set the stage for what is about to unfold.
• In poetry, a powerful image or line often precedes the climax, enhancing emotional impact.

Psychology

• In cognitive psychology, events that precede a triggering situation can significantly impact our reactions and behaviors.
• The idea of 'precedent' in legal psychology highlights how past cases influence current decisions.
• Studies show that memories of events that preceded a major life change can shape our perspective on that change.

Everyday Usage

• In scheduling, an event that precedes another often determines organization and prioritization.
• In cooking, the steps that precede baking can alter the outcome, as preparation is key to success.
• In conversation, what someone says before a main point can set the tone for the entire discussion.

At #5,561 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 5558 popularity
• 5559 appendix
• 5560 obey
• 5561 preceded
• 5562 neighbourhood
• 5563 performances
• 5564 esteem
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