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preceding
/prɪˈsiːdɪŋ/
coming before in time or order
The preceding chapter explains the theory in detail.
This means the chapter that comes before the current one provides detailed theory.
formal
coming before in time or order
The preceding paragraph summarizes the main points.
The paragraph before this one gives a summary of the key ideas.
The preceding events led to the current situation.
The events that happened earlier caused the present circumstances.
Often used in formal writing to refer to previous sections or events.
Collocations
preceding chapterthe chapter that comes beforepreceding paragraphthe paragraph that comes beforepreceding eventsevents that happened earlier
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Formal Usage
Use 'preceding' in formal contexts like academic papers, legal documents, or structured writing to refer to prior sections or events.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'preceden' (to go before), from Old French 'preceder', from Latin 'praecedere' (to go before), from 'prae-' (before) + 'cedere' (to go).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal writing, legal documents, and academic texts to refer to something that came before in sequence.
Word Breakdown
pre-
before
prefix-ceding
going
rootEnglish Dictionary