Predecessors: meaning, definitions and examples
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predecessors
[ ˈprɛdɪˌsɛsərz ]
in history
A person who held a job or position before someone else, or before the present holder.
Synonyms
ancestor, antecedent, forerunner.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| predecessors |
Used when referring to people who previously held a position or role before someone else. Often used in professional, political, or organizational contexts.
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| forerunner |
Used to describe someone or something that precedes the current one and indicates or influences the development of future events. Often applies to trends, innovations, or notable people.
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| ancestor |
Used to refer to family members from past generations, typically in a historical or genealogical context.
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| antecedent |
Used more formally and often in academic or legal contexts to describe something that existed before or logically precedes another.
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Examples of usage
- He was appointed as the successor to his predecessor.
- The company's new CEO aims to build upon the work of her predecessors.
in family relations
A person from whom another is directly descended, such as a grandparent.
Synonyms
ancestor, forebear, forefather.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| predecessors |
Used when referring to individuals who held a position or role before someone else, often in professional or formal contexts.
|
| forebear |
Used similarly to 'ancestor,' but often with a more formal, literary, or historical tone. It often emphasizes the long lineage and historical significance of the individuals.
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| forefather |
Refers specifically to male ancestors, often those who have had a significant impact, and is frequently used in discussions about historical figures or founding members.
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| ancestor |
Commonly used to talk about a person from whom one is descended, typically more distant family members, often in a genealogical or historical context.
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Examples of usage
- My great-grandfather is my predecessor in the family tree.
- She inherited the antique clock from her predecessor.
Translations
Translations of the word "predecessors" in other languages:
🇵🇹 predecessores
🇮🇳 पूर्ववर्तियों
🇩🇪 Vorgänger
🇮🇩 pendahulu
🇺🇦 попередники
🇵🇱 poprzednicy
🇯🇵 前任者
🇫🇷 prédécesseurs
🇪🇸 predecesores
🇹🇷 öncüller
🇰🇷 전임자들
🇸🇦 الأسلاف
🇨🇿 předchůdci
🇸🇰 predchodcovia
🇨🇳 前任者
🇸🇮 predhodniki
🇮🇸 forverar
🇰🇿 бұрынғылар
🇬🇪 წინამორბედები
🇦🇿 sələflər
🇲🇽 predecesores
Etymology
The word 'predecessors' originated from the combination of the Latin prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and the word 'decessor' which comes from the Latin 'decessor' meaning 'retiring officer'. The term has been used since the 15th century to refer to someone who held a position before another. Over time, it has also come to be used in genealogy to refer to ancestors or those from whom one is descended.