Precede

Definition

Precede primarily means to come before something in time, rank, or position.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈsid/
• Respelling: prih-SEED (with "prih" as in "prism," and "SEED" as in "seed")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈsiːd/
• Respelling: prih-SEED (similar to American English, with "prih" as in "prism," and "SEED" as in "seed")

In both dialects, "precede" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "SEED." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "SEED" part.

Etymology

The term "precede" is derived from the Latin word "praecedere", where "prae-" means "before" and "-cedere" means "to go". Thus, it literally translates to "to go before".

Derivatives

• Preceding
• Precedent
• Precedence
• Precedable
• Precededly

Synonyms

• Antecede
• Forego
• Preexist

Antonyms

• Follow
• Succeed
• Postdate

Usage

"Precede" is commonly used to describe a sequence of events, indicating that one event or thing comes before another. It can be used in various contexts, ranging from historical events to the arrangement of content in a book.

Related Terms

• Prior
• Beforehand
• Anterior
• Predecessor
• Foremost

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To come before something in time, order, or position.
• Example: "The era of the Renaissance preceded the Age of Enlightenment."

• To be a precursor or harbinger of something.
• Example: "Dark clouds usually precede a storm."

• To go or come before in place, especially in an official or formal setting.
• Example: "The vice president's speech will precede the president's address."