precede
verb (used with object)
to go before, as in place, order, rank, importance, or time.
was preceding
-
past progressiveof precede.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Which is to say that automation was preceding just fast enough for us to be able to meet our increasing manufacturing needs without an increasing manufacturing workforce — just like in every other rich country.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 31, 2017
Together, the U-Pb age, oxygen and hafnium isotope data will help us understand when and where within the earth a zircon formed, and what its complete history was preceding its latest stage of formation.
From New York Times ● Jan. 7, 2011
Then came a radio call from the City of New York, which was preceding the Eleanor Boiling.
From Time Magazine Archive
The final toll: 29 dead, including Mrs. Estabrook, whose husband was preceding the bus in his car, and 25 injured, including Driver Evan Prothero, 50.
From Time Magazine Archive
As Jack went down the steps into the night, the face of John Prather, with a satirical turn to the lips, was preceding him.
From Over the Pass by Frederick Palmer
