predecessor

noun

pre·​de·​ces·​sor ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər 

ˈprē-;

ˌpre-də-ˈse-,

ˌprē- 

1

: one that precedes

especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded

2

archaic : ancestor

Synonyms

• ancestor
• antecedent
• archetype
• daddy
• foregoer
• forerunner
• granddaddy
• grandaddy
• precursor
• prototype

Examples of predecessor in a Sentence

Today's computers are much faster than their predecessors were.

the once-ubiquitous typewriter was the predecessor of today's electronic keyboard

Recent Examples on the Web

Miao’s predecessor, Gen. Zhang Yang, killed himself while under disciplinary investigation for bribery. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024

In a worrying echo of the breakdown in trust between Wolves and O’Neil’s predecessor Lopetegui, O’Neil’s confidence in the owners’ ability and willingness to back him was never restored. —Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 15 Dec. 2024

The incoming prime minister will now face many of the same pressures as his predecessor, with the left and right expected to harass the new government for their own agendas for the 2025 budget. —Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024

Whitaker's predecessor, Stephen Dickson, resigned before completing his term. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

predecessor

noun

pre·​de·​ces·​sor ˈpred-ə-ˌses-ər  ˈprēd- 

: one that precedes

especially : a person who has held a position or office before another

Etymology

Middle English predecessour "predecessor," from early French predecesseur (same meaning), from Latin praedecessor "one that goes before," from prae- "before, pre-," and decessor "retiring governor," from decedere "to depart," from de- "from" and cedere "to go, go away" — related to ancestor, concede