preceding

American  

[pri-see-ding] / prɪˈsi dɪŋ /

adjective

1. that precedes; previous.

   Refer back to the footnote on the preceding page.

   Synonyms:

   former, prior, foregoing

   Antonyms:

   following, succeeding

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preceding British  

/ prɪˈsiːdɪŋ /

adjective

1. (prenominal) going or coming before; former

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Usage

What does preceding mean? Preceding means coming before. A close synonym is previous.As an adjective, preceding is always used before a noun, as in the preceding chapter. Preceding can also be used as the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb precede, which means to come before.In most cases, the opposite of preceding is following, meaning coming after. For example, if you’re reading Chapter 7, the preceding chapter is Chapter 6, and the following chapter is Chapter 8.Example: The seventh book in the series features many of the same characters as the six preceding novels.

Etymology

Origin of preceding

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

Example Sentences

Rubio and his aides had already terminated hundreds of programs in preceding days.

From Salon

The orchestra will deliver its full 2028/29 season across London and on tour, with the two preceding seasons at the Barbican as planned.

From BBC

So far this year, 12 companies have applied for trust charters, more than any in at least the preceding eight years, according to data compiled by Klaros Group, a financial-services advisory firm.

From The Wall Street Journal

At approximately 30 minutes per episode, “Happiness” is an unusual offering for a public-television Sunday night, though two installments will be shown each week, preceding a double dose of “All Creatures Great and Small.”

From The Wall Street Journal

As the race finally started after a nervy weekend for McLaren, the pressure was high after the team had suffered two difficult races in the grands prix preceding this one.

From BBC

Related Words

• introductory
• previous
• prior