Antecedent

/ˌæn.tɪˈsiː.dənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another.

The antecedent to the modern computer was the early mechanical calculator.

In grammar, a word, phrase, or clause that is replaced by a pronoun or other substitute later in the sentence.

In the sentence 'John lost his keys', 'John' is the antecedent of 'his'.

In logic, the first half of a hypothetical proposition.

In the statement 'If it rains, then the ground will be wet', the antecedent is 'it rains'.

adjective

Preceding in time or order.

The antecedent events set the stage for the unfolding drama.

From Latin 'antecedens', from 'ante' meaning 'before' and 'cedere' meaning 'to go'.

antecedent conditions

Conditions that exist prior to a certain event

antecedent event

An event that occurs before something else

antecedent reasoning

Reasoning based on previous conditions or events

preceding

Existing or occurring before something else.

progenitor

An ancestor or parent; one who originates or creates.