Successor

Definition

Successor typically refers to a person or thing that follows another in a job or position, or takes over a role or duty from another individual or entity.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səkˈsɛsər/
• Respelling: suhk-SES-er (with "suhk" incorporating a subtle "k" sound as in "luck," "SES" as in "session," and "er" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səkˈsɛsə/
• Respelling: suhk-SES-uh (similar to American English, with "suhk" subtly including the "k" sound as in "luck," "SES" like in "session," and "uh" as a softer version of "er")

In both dialects, "successor" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "SES." The correction includes the "k" sound after the initial "suh," aligning with the proper pronunciation in both dialects.

Etymology

The term "successor" originates from the Latin word successor, from succedere meaning 'to follow' or 'to come after'. This term was assimilated into Old French as successeur, and later adopted by Middle English around the late 13th century.

Derivatives

• Successorship
• Predecessor (opposite)
• Succession
• Successive
• Unsuccessor

Synonyms

• Heir
• Follower
• Replacement

Antonyms

• Predecessor
• Forerunner
• Antecedent

Usage

The term "successor" is commonly used in legal, corporate, and general contexts to refer to an individual or entity that takes over a particular role, office, or duty from another. It encapsulates the transfer of responsibilities or titles from one to another.

Related Terms

• Succession
• Successive
• Inheritance

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Individual Following in Role: An individual who follows another in a particular role or position, usually taking over the duties, responsibilities, or title from the predecessor.‍
• Example: The current president is seen as a successor to the former president in terms of policies and ideologies.

• Entity Following in Role: An entity or thing that follows another in a particular capacity, typically taking over the functions or operations previously carried out by the predecessor.‍
• Example: The new software system is the successor to the old one, offering more advanced features and better performance.