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

In a forthcoming academic paper, Mr. Strain and Jeffrey Clemens analyze changes to the minimum wage in the decade preceding the Covid pandemic.

From The Wall Street Journal

This may have been a classic “buy the rumor, sell the news” moment, as the price had doubled over the preceding days on media reports that rescheduling was imminent.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jamie Smith misses out on the World Cup and the preceding tour of Sri Lanka after a difficult Ashes series, and there is no place for Jordan Cox.

From BBC

Strategy’s silence on Nov. 24 indicated the company hadn’t purchased any crypto in the preceding seven days, nor had it issued any securities under its ATM offerings.

From Barron's

Strategy’s silence on Nov. 24 indicated the company hadn’t purchased any crypto in the preceding seven days, nor had it issued any securities under its ATM offerings.

From Barron's

Related Words

• introductory
• previous
• prior