predecessor

[pred-uh-ses-er, pred-uh-ses-er, pree-duh-ses-er]

noun

1. a person who precedes another in an office, position, etc.

2. something succeeded or replaced by something else.

   The new monument in the park is more beautiful than its predecessor.

3. Archaic.,  an ancestor; forefather.

predecessor

/ ˈpriːdɪˌsɛsə /

noun

1. a person who precedes another, as in an office

2. something that precedes something else

3. an ancestor; forefather

Word History and Origins

Origin of predecessor¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English predecessour, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin praedēcessor, from Latin prae- pre- + dēcessor “retiring official” (equivalent to dēcēd(ere) “to withdraw” + -tor -tor; de-, cede )

Word History and Origins

Origin of predecessor¹

C14: via Old French from Late Latin praedēcessor, from prae before + dēcēdere to go away, from dē away + cēdere to go

Example Sentences

The then first minister was initially seeking to prove that she had not conspired with her predecessor during the government's investigation of him - something which today seems at odds with Salmond's claims of a conspiracy..

Read more on BBC

In Turkey the Pope will also visit the Blue Mosque, as both his immediate predecessors Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI had done.

Read more on BBC

Nicklaus Cos. or its predecessors have designed or renovated more than 440 courses worldwide, with more than 65 additional courses under way, the court filing said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Like its predecessor, “Zootopia 2” impresses visually, especially given the breadth of characters and environments it immerses the audience in.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His predecessor, Ashley Buchanan, was fired in May after only five months for unethical conduct.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• ancestor 
• forebear