predecessor

[ pred-uh-ses-er, pred-uh-ses-eror, especially British, 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

Thune has pledged to carry out a more transparent leadership style compared to his predecessor and open the Senate floor to more debate and amendments.

From Salon

But in other ways, he will come into office more aware than his predecessors of the inner workings because he is the only president aside from Grover Cleveland to win nonconsecutive terms.

From Los Angeles Times

The former boss of Camelot was appointed interim chairman of the Post Office after his predecessor Henry Staunton was sacked in January.

From BBC

Biden, like Obama and Bill Clinton before him, was faced with the challenge of rescuing an economy that his Republican predecessor had left in shambles.

From Salon

The problem he faces is that pretty much all of his predecessors broke theirs.

From BBC

Related Words

• ancestor
• forebear