Preceding
prɪˈsiːdɪŋ
Definitions
Coming before something else in time, order, or importance.
prɪˈsiːdɪŋ
Coming before in time or order
The preceding chapter provided the background information for the study.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're reading a book. If a chapter or event *precedes* another, it happened *before* it. For example, the exciting battle *precedes* the peaceful resolution.
👶 For kids: Happening before something else. Like, if you eat your veggies before dessert, the veggies are preceding.
More Examples
The preceding speaker gave a very inspiring speech.
Please refer to the preceding section for clarification.
The preceding days were filled with preparations.
How It's Used
"The preceding paragraph outlines the terms of the agreement."
"The preceding century saw significant advancements in technology."
"In the preceding discussion, it was noted..."
Idioms & expressions
the preceding
Referring to something mentioned before
"Based on the preceding, we can conclude..."
From the Latin word *praecedere*, meaning "to go before".
Used since the 16th century, initially in legal and scholarly contexts.
Memory tip
Think of PRE-ceding as what happens PRE-viously.