verb
precede
prih-SEED/prɪˈsiːd/
To come before something in time, order, or position.
The first walker precedes the second along the narrow path.
Etymology
The pieces mean “go before.” That image applies both to moving ahead of someone in space and to occurring earlier in time or standing earlier in an order.
In context
most of our outcomes in life are a lagging measure of the habits that precede them.
More examples
- The number six precedes seven.
- Her reputation preceded her arrival.
- The inspection must precede payment.
Forms
precede · precedes · preceded · preceding
Similar words
- follow
- Follow comes after; precede comes before.
- predate
- Predate specifically means exist earlier in time; precede can also concern order or physical position.