Definitions
- Referring to something that comes before another thing in a sequence. - Talking about an event or action that happened before another event or action. - Describing a time period or era that came before the current one.
- Referring to something that existed or was true in the past but is no longer the case. - Talking about a person who held a previous position or title. - Describing a previous state or condition of something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to something that existed or happened in the past.
- 2Both can be used as adjectives to describe something that came before another thing.
- 3Both are used to indicate a change or transition from a previous state or condition.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Preceding is typically used to describe something that comes immediately before another thing in a sequence, while former refers to something that existed or was true in the past but is no longer the case.
- 2Time frame: Preceding can refer to a shorter time frame, such as the previous sentence or paragraph, while former usually refers to a more extended period, such as a previous job or era.
- 3Focus: Preceding emphasizes the order or sequence of events, while former emphasizes the change or transition from a previous state or condition.
- 4Connotation: Preceding is neutral and factual, while former can have a negative connotation if used to describe someone who was fired or demoted.
Remember this!
Preceding and former are synonyms that both refer to something that existed or happened in the past. However, preceding emphasizes the order or sequence of events, while former emphasizes the change or transition from a previous state or condition. Additionally, preceding can be used as a verb, while former is only used as an adjective.
