antecedent

Definition

Earlier, either in time or in order.

Etymology

From Middle English antecedent, borrowed from Old French antecedent, from Latin antecēdēns (“going before”), from antecēdō (“to precede; excel; surpass”).

Example Sentences

• "an antecedent cause"
• "an event antecedent to the Biblical Flood"
• "an antecedent improbability"

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