preceding

[ pri-see-ding ]

adjective

1. that precedes; previous:

   Refer back to the footnote on the preceding page.

   Synonyms: former, prior, foregoing

   Antonyms: following, succeeding

preceding

/ prɪˈsiːdɪŋ /

adjective

1. prenominal going or coming before; former

Word History and Origins

Origin of preceding¹

First recorded in 1485–95; precede + -ing ²

Example Sentences

For weeks preceding the bash, Hitch refuses to have anything to do with it.

From The Daily Beast

But there is always a preceding generation, or an idealized time in our personal histories.

From The Daily Beast

Think about that for a second if after the preceding paragraph you remain convinced of the infallibility of our system.

From The Daily Beast

McEwan novels often have formally dazzling conclusions that recast the meaning of the preceding story.

From The Daily Beast

Of the teams in the quarterfinals, Colombia had had only 20 shots on goal in the preceding stages.

From The Daily Beast

Without preface, he abruptly asked, what had been told him of the Duke of Wharton's behaviour the preceding night.

From Project Gutenberg

With this letter is another by the same writer, dated July 30, 1622—a postscript to a duplicate of the preceding letter.

From Project Gutenberg

In the preceding chapter an examination has been made of the purely mechanical side of the era of machine production.

From Project Gutenberg

And, Pedro preceding them, the young men gaily descended the stairs.

From Project Gutenberg

The day was passed in much the same manner as the preceding one, though of course new scenes proved ever interesting to Yung Pak.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• introductory
• previous
• prior