Predecessor: meaning, definitions and examples
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predecessor
[ ˈprɛdəˌsɛsər ]
in a historical context
A person who held a job or office before the current holder.
Synonyms
ancestor, forerunner, precursor
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
Examples of usage
- Learning about his ancestors helped him understand his predecessors better.
- She traced her family tree back to her European predecessors.
Translations
Translations of the word "predecessor" in other languages:
🇵🇹 predecessor
🇮🇳 पूर्ववर्ती
🇩🇪 Vorgänger
🇮🇩 pendahulu
🇺🇦 попередник
🇵🇱 poprzednik
🇯🇵 前任者 (ぜんにんしゃ)
🇫🇷 prédécesseur
🇪🇸 predecesor
🇹🇷 öncül
🇰🇷 전임자
🇸🇦 سلف
🇨🇿 předchůdce
🇸🇰 predchodca
🇨🇳 前任者 (qiánrèn zhě)
🇸🇮 predhodnik
🇮🇸 forveri
🇰🇿 алдыңғы
🇬🇪 წინამორბედი
🇦🇿 sələf
🇲🇽 predecesor
Word origin
The word 'predecessor' originated from the Latin word 'praedecessor' which means 'one who goes before'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to someone who held a position before the current holder. Over time, it has also come to be used in a wider context to refer to ancestors or those who came before in a family lineage.
See also: precedence, precedency.