Predecessor: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ด
predecessor
[หprษdษหsษsษr ]
Definitions
in a historical context
A person who held a job or office before the current holder.
Synonyms
ancestor, forerunner, precursor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| predecessor |
Use this word when talking about someone or something that held a position or role before another person or thing.
|
| forerunner |
This term is best used for something or someone that came before another and made way for what followed, often implying innovation or being a sign of things to come.
|
| ancestor |
This word is appropriate when referring to family members from past generations or early versions of something.
|
| precursor |
Use this word when discussing something that came before another thing and contributed to its development, particularly in a scientific or historical context.
|
Examples of usage
- He was appointed as the new CEO, succeeding his predecessor.
- The new president promised to continue the policies of her predecessor.
in a familial context
A person from whom one is descended, especially if more remote than a grandparent.
Synonyms
ancestor, forebear, forefather.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| predecessor |
When referring to someone who previously held a position, office, or role before someone else.
|
| ancestor |
When talking about a person from whom one is descended, often many generations back in time. Commonly used in historical or genealogical contexts.
|
| forebear |
Similar to 'ancestor,' it refers to a person from whom one is descended. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
|
| forefather |
Used to describe a male ancestor or founder figure, often relating to the early figures of a family, community, or nation. It carries a more monumental or reverential connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- Learning about his ancestors helped him understand his predecessors better.
- She traced her family tree back to her European predecessors.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- This term comes from Latin, where 'prae' means 'before' and 'decessor' means 'one who goes away'.
- It entered the English language in the 15th century, originally referring to someone that had passed away, but evolved to mean someone who left a position.
Business
- In corporate settings, the predecessor often influences the new leader's strategies, making their legacy significant.
- Understanding a predecessor's decisions can help new leaders avoid past mistakes and incorporate successful practices.
Education
- In academic contexts, students often study predecessors of theories or inventions to understand the evolution of knowledge.
- The term is commonly used in discussions about curriculum, where previous curriculums set the groundwork for the current one.
Technology
- In software development, a predecessor might refer to previous versions of a program or earlier software models that influenced current design.
- When comparing technologies, recognizing predecessors can highlight how advancements were made over time.
Literature
- Many books analyze the works of authors' predecessors, showing how previous writers inspired new narratives.
- In storytelling, a predecessor might serve as a cautionary tale, warning main characters about mistakes that can be avoided.
Translations
Translations of the word "predecessor" in other languages:
๐ต๐น predecessor
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคฐเฅเคตเคตเคฐเฅเคคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Vorgรคnger
๐ฎ๐ฉ pendahulu
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะพะฟะตัะตะดะฝะธะบ
๐ต๐ฑ poprzednik
๐ฏ๐ต ๅไปป่ (ใใใซใใใ)
๐ซ๐ท prรฉdรฉcesseur
๐ช๐ธ predecesor
๐น๐ท รถncรผl
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ์์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณูู
๐จ๐ฟ pลedchลฏdce
๐ธ๐ฐ predchodca
๐จ๐ณ ๅไปป่ (qiรกnrรจn zhฤ)
๐ธ๐ฎ predhodnik
๐ฎ๐ธ forveri
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะปะดัาฃาั
๐ฌ๐ช แฌแแแแแแ แแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ sษlษf
๐ฒ๐ฝ predecesor