predecessor

noun

pre·​de·​ces·​sor ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər 

ˈprē-;

ˌpre-də-ˈse-,

ˌprē- 

1

: one that precedes

especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded

2

archaic : ancestor

Synonyms

• ancestor
• antecedent
• archetype
• daddy
• foregoer
• forerunner
• granddaddy
• grandaddy
• precursor
• prototype

Examples of predecessor in a Sentence

Today's computers are much faster than their predecessors were.

the once-ubiquitous typewriter was the predecessor of today's electronic keyboard

Recent Examples on the Web

With more cushioning than its predecessor, the new sneaker offers stability and support on casual runs. September 23, 2024 All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. —Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2024

Unlike its predecessor, the Wireless Facial Humidifier doesn't require a USB power cord to run and only takes four hours to fully charge. —Sarah Han, Allure, 23 Sep. 2024

Meanwhile, his predecessor at ABC, Karey Burke, who had been very keen on exploring a Modern Family spinoff, took the reins of Modern Family studio 20th TV. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2024

New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to make his first showing at the General Assembly after his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, skipped last year’s meeting. —Richard Roth, CNN, 21 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English predecessour, from Anglo-French predecessur, from Late Latin praedecessor, from Latin prae- pre- + decessor retiring governor, from decedere to depart, retire from office — more at decease

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

predecessor

noun

pre·​de·​ces·​sor ˈpred-ə-ˌses-ər  ˈprēd- 

: one that precedes

especially : a person who has held a position or office before another

Etymology

Middle English predecessour "predecessor," from early French predecesseur (same meaning), from Latin praedecessor "one that goes before," from prae- "before, pre-," and decessor "retiring governor," from decedere "to depart," from de- "from" and cedere "to go, go away" — related to ancestor, concede