antecedent Definition
- 1a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another
- 2a person's ancestors or family and social background
Using antecedent: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "antecedent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The antecedents of jazz can be traced back to African music.
Example
The current conflict has its antecedents in events that happened decades ago.
Example
Her family's antecedents can be traced back to the 16th century.
Example
The suspect's criminal antecedents were taken into account during the trial.
antecedent Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for antecedent
Antonyms for antecedent
Phrases with antecedent
a boundary line established before an area is populated, often based on physical features like rivers or mountains
Example
The antecedent boundary between the US and Canada was established by the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
a debt that existed before a particular transaction or agreement
Example
The company's antecedent debt was taken into account when negotiating the terms of the new loan.
rain or snowfall that occurs before a flood event, which can contribute to the severity of the flooding
Example
Antecedent precipitation in the form of heavy rain caused the river to overflow its banks.
Origins of antecedent
from Latin 'ante-' meaning 'before' and 'cedere' meaning 'go'
Summary: antecedent in Brief
'Antecedent' [ˌæntɪˈsiːdənt] refers to a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another. It can also refer to a person's ancestors or family background. Examples include 'The antecedents of jazz can be traced back to African music,' and 'The suspect's criminal antecedents were taken into account during the trial.' The term extends into phrases like 'antecedent boundary,' which denotes a boundary line established before an area is populated.
