What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
antecede
Example
The invention of the telephone anteceded the development of the internet. [antecede: verb]
Example
In this timeline, the dinosaurs antecede the appearance of humans. [antecede: verb]
precede
Example
The opening speech will precede the start of the conference. [precede: verb]
Example
The appetizer will precede the main course in the dinner menu. [precede: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Precede is more commonly used than antecede in everyday language. Precede is versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while antecede is less common and specifically refers to something happening before in time or order.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between antecede and precede?
While antecede is less commonly used and associated with a more informal tone, precede is more widely used and considered more formal, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
