predecessor Definition
- 1a person who held a job or office before the current holder
- 2something that comes before another thing in time or in a series of events
Using predecessor: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "predecessor" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
My predecessor in this job was very successful.
Example
The typewriter was the predecessor of the computer keyboard.
Example
The new model is more advanced than its predecessor.
predecessor Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for predecessor
- forerunner
- antecedent
- prior
- former
- ancestor
Antonyms for predecessor
Idioms Using predecessor
to do the same work or be as successful as someone who was in a similar job or position before you
Example
He hopes to follow in his father's footsteps and become a doctor, just like his predecessor.
to give responsibility or authority to someone else, especially someone who will continue the work that you have been doing
Example
After 20 years as CEO, he decided it was time to pass the torch to his predecessor.
to benefit from the work or achievements of people who came before you
Example
As a scientist, she knows that she stands on the shoulders of giants, building on the work of her predecessors.
Phrases with predecessor
a company that existed before another company, especially one that has been taken over or merged with the other company
Example
The predecessor company was known for its innovative products.
a political entity that existed before another state, especially one that has been replaced or absorbed by the other state
Example
The predecessor state was known for its cultural achievements.
a product that was replaced by a newer version or model
Example
The predecessor product was popular but had some design flaws.
Origins of predecessor
from Latin 'praedecessor', meaning 'forefather'
Summary: predecessor in Brief
'Predecessor' [ˈpriːdɪsesə(r)] refers to a person who held a job or office before the current holder, or something that comes before another thing in time or in a series of events. It can refer to companies, states, or products, as in 'The predecessor company was known for its innovative products.' 'Predecessor' also appears in idioms like 'follow in someone's footsteps,' meaning to do the same work or be as successful as someone who was in a similar job or position before you.
