First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
predecessor
noun pre·de·ces·sor \ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər, ˈprē-; ˌpre-də-ˈ, ˌprē-\
: a person who had a job or position before someone else
: something that comes before something else
Full Definition of PREDECESSOR
1
: one that precedes; especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded
2
archaic : ancestor
See predecessor defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PREDECESSOR
Middle English predecessour, from Anglo-French predecessur, from Late Latin praedecessor, from Latin prae- pre- + decessor retiring governor, from decedere to depart, retire from office — more at decease
Related to PREDECESSOR
- Synonyms
- antecedent, archetype, daddy, foregoer, forerunner, granddaddy (also grandaddy), precursor, ancestor, prototype
- Antonyms
- descendant (also descendent)
Rhymes with PREDECESSOR
PREDECESSOR Defined for Kids
predecessor
noun pre·de·ces·sor \ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər, ˈprē-\
Definition of PREDECESSOR for Kids
: a person who held a job or position before someone else
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