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

“And show that he is capable of fixing problems which his predecessor failed to fix.”

From BBC

For customers frustrated by shrinkflation, Tropicana says the new bottles will cost about 70 cents less than their predecessors, though not all retailers have adjusted prices yet.

From Salon

While he’s charged officers in shootings far more frequently than his predecessors, those cases have often ended in acquittals, dismissals or plea deals with minimal jail time.

From Los Angeles Times

Bill Clinton felt everyone’s pain, but he never failed to explain that his Republican predecessor had created it.

From Salon

So the prime minister is trying to engage more closely with China, and at the very least be more consistent than his predecessors.

From BBC

Related Words

• ancestor
• forebear