Predecessor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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.
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| 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.
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| ancestor |
This word is appropriate when referring to family members from past generations or early versions of something.
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| precursor |
Use this word when discussing something that came before another thing and contributed to its development, particularly in a scientific or historical context.
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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.
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| forebear |
Similar to 'ancestor,' it refers to a person from whom one is descended. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- Learning about his ancestors helped him understand his predecessors better.
- She traced her family tree back to her European predecessors.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'predecessor'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
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.