Precursor

As a Noun

1. Something that comes before another and indicates its approach or development.
2. A person or thing that paves the way for a future event or innovation.

As Other Form

• Precede (Verb): To come before something in time or order.

Word History

The word precursor comes from the Latin praecursor, meaning “forerunner” or “one who runs ahead,” derived from prae- (before) and cursor (runner). Originally used for messengers or scouts, it later applied to anything that signals or influences future developments.

Examples

1. Dark clouds are often a precursor to heavy rain.
2. The telegram was a precursor to modern digital communication.
3. Many consider early jazz musicians as precursors to modern blues and rock.

Synonyms

Forerunner, predecessor, harbinger, pioneer, omen

Related Words

Antecedent, origin, prototype, foundation

Antonyms

Successor, result, outcome, descendant