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precede
/prɪˈsiːd/
come before in time or order
The opening speech will precede the main ceremony.
The speech happens before the ceremony begins.
formal
To come, go, or exist before in time, order, or position.
In the sequence A, B, C, the letter A precedes B.
A comes before B in the alphabet.
The dark clouds preceding the storm warned the villagers.
The clouds appeared before the storm arrived.
Often used in formal writing, technical contexts, or to emphasize sequence.
formal
To go ahead or in front of.
The guide preceded the hikers up the mountain trail.
The guide walked in front of the hikers.
Common in narratives or instructions involving movement.
Collocations
precede byfollowed byprecede in timehappen earlier
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common mistake: precede vs. proceed
Precede means 'to come before'; proceed means 'to continue or move forward.' Example: 'The ceremony will precede dinner' (ceremony first) vs. 'We will proceed to dinner' (move to the next step).
Gold Rule
Precede + object
Always use a direct object after 'precede' (e.g., 'The appetizer precedes the main course.').
Word Origin
From Latin *praecedere* (to go before), from *prae-* (before) + *cedere* (to go).
Usage Notes
Precede is a transitive verb and requires a direct object (e.g., 'The introduction precedes the chapter.'). Do not confuse with 'proceed' (to continue or move forward).
Word Breakdown
pre-
before
prefix-cede
go
rootEnglish Dictionary