Predecessor
As a Noun
- A person who held a position or role before someone else.
- Something that existed before and was replaced by something newer.
As Other Form
- Precede (Verb): To come before in time, order, or position.
Word History
The word predecessor comes from the Latin praedecessor, meaning “one who goes before,” from prae- (before) and decessor (retiring officer). Originally used in leadership and historical contexts, it now applies to anything replaced by a successor.
Examples
- The new CEO thanked his predecessor for their contributions.
- This phone model is much better than its predecessor.
- The predecessor of modern computers was the typewriter.
Synonyms
Forerunner, ancestor, precursor, precursor, antecedent
Related Words
Successor, previous, former, earlier
Antonyms
Successor, replacement, follower, descendant