noun / adjective
antecedent
an-tih-SEE-duhnt/ˌæntɪˈsiːdnt/
Something preceding another thing as its reference or condition.
The rotary telephone is an antecedent of the modern smartphone.
Etymology
The pieces express “going before”: an antecedent is something that precedes something else. This became a noun for an earlier event upon which another follows.
In context
socialism implies authoritarianism requires it requires it thank you it's a necessary antecedent Sam what they say like you need the authority before you have the ability
More examples
- The historian investigates the antecedent causes of the revolt.
- In an if–then statement, the if-clause states the antecedent.
- Several earlier proposals are antecedents of the current policy.
Forms
antecedent · antecedents