WordLens

precede

1 of 1verb
/prɪˈsid/
Forms:precedes,preceding,preceded,preceded
1

to come before something else in time

transitive
  • The discovery of penicillin preceded the widespread use of antibiotics by several decades.
  • In the timeline of human history, the Stone Age precedes the Bronze Age.
  • The introduction of the printing press preceded the spread of mass literacy in Europe.
  • The ancient texts, which were found in the ruins, precede the development of modern languages.
  • The initial sketches by the artist preceded the final painting by several months.
Antonyms:
2

to appear or occur before something else in a sequence or arrangement

transitive
  • The appetizer should precede the main course at dinner.
  • In the schedule, the meeting will precede the conference call.
  • The chapter on history precedes the chapter on science in the book.
  • His name precedes hers in the invitation list.
  • The letter A precedes the letter B in the alphabet.
Synonyms:
3

to move before something or someone else

transitive
  • The lead car preceded the rest of the vehicles in the race.
  • A small procession preceded the main parade.
  • She preceded the others down the hallway to open the door.
  • The runners preceded the cyclists in the race.
  • A group of dancers preceded the main performance on stage.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
4

to begin something by providing an introduction or a short explanation first

transitive
  • She preceded her speech with a thank-you to the audience.
  • The movie preceded the main event with a short trailer.
  • Before the meeting, he preceded his presentation with some background information.
  • She always precedes her emails with a polite greeting.
  • The author preceded the chapter with a personal note to the readers.