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Precursory: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฎ
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precursory

 

[ prษชหˆkษœหrsษ™ri ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

general use

The term 'precursory' describes something that serves as a precursor or an indication of what is to come. It is often used in contexts where an event, phenomenon, or condition precedes and signals the onset of another. This term can apply in various fields such as science, literature, and psychology, where early signs or symptoms might foreshadow larger developments.

Synonyms

antecedent, forerunner, preliminary, preliminary.

Examples of usage

  • The precursory signs of the economic recession were evident months before it actually hit.
  • In literature, precursory themes can hint at the central conflict of the story.
  • Researchers found precursory behaviors in animals that indicated a change in their environment.

Etymology

The word 'precursory' derives from the Latin word 'praecursorius', which means 'running before'. It is comprised of the prefix 'prae-' meaning 'before' and the root 'currere', which means 'to run'. Over time, this term evolved to describe phenomena that serve as indicators or precursors. It became prominent in English usage around the late 19th century as various scientific disciplines began to recognize the importance of identifying early warning signs of larger trends or events. Today, 'precursory' is widely applied in both academic and everyday languages, denoting something that serves to indicate or precede something else.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,428, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.