noun

predecessor

predecessor

My predecessor retired last year.

My predecessor retired last year.

This new phone is much faster than its predecessor.

This new phone is much faster than its predecessor.

((sb.'s)) predecessor sb.'s predecessor My predecessor was a very experienced manager.

the predecessor ((of/to sth.)) the predecessor of/to sth. The new software is a big improvement on its predecessor.

Synonyms: forerunner, antecedent; Antonyms: successor, heir

From Latin 'prae-' (before) + 'decessor' (retiring official), from 'cedere' (to go), meaning 'one who goes before'.

'Pre-' means 'before'. Your predecessor was in the position before you.

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