antecedent

¹an·te·ced·ent

noun \ˌan-tə-ˈsē-d^ənt\

Definition of ANTECEDENT

1

: a substantive word, phrase, or clause whose denotation is referred to by a pronoun (as John in “Mary saw John and called to him”); broadly : a word or phrase replaced by a substitute

2

: the conditional element in a proposition (as if A in “if A, then B”)

3

: the first term of a mathematical ratio

4

a : a preceding event, condition, or cause

b plural : the significant events, conditions, and traits of one's earlier life

5

a : predecessor; especially : a model or stimulus for later developments

b plural : ancestors, parents

Examples of ANTECEDENT

1. “John” is the antecedent of the pronoun “him” in “Mary saw John and thanked him.”
2. <what are the antecedents of the American Revolutionary War?>

Origin of ANTECEDENT

Middle English, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin antecedent-, antecedens, from Latin, what precedes, from neuter of antecedent-, antecedens, present participle of antecedere to go before, from ante- + cedere to go

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ANTECEDENT

Synonyms

cause, causality, causation, occasion, reason

Antonyms

aftereffect, aftermath, consequence, corollary, development, effect, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot

Related Words

consideration, determinant, factor; alpha and omega, be-all and end-all; impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, stimulus; mother, origin, root, source, spring

Near Antonyms

ramification; denouement (also dénouement), repercussion; conclusion, end; by-product, side effect (also side reaction)

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

²antecedent

adjective

Definition of ANTECEDENT

: prior

— an·te·ced·ent·ly adverb

Examples of ANTECEDENT

1. <I'd like to follow up on an antecedent question from another reporter.>

First Known Use of ANTECEDENT

14th century

Related to ANTECEDENT

Synonyms

previous, anterior, foregoing, former, precedent, preceding, prior

Antonyms

after, ensuing, following, later, posterior, subsequent, succeeding

Related Words

advance, early, premature; earliest, first, inaugural, initial, maiden, original, pioneer; preexisting; introductory, preliminary; erstwhile, whilom

Near Antonyms

advanced, late; closing, concluding, final, last, latest, latter, terminal, ultimate

See Synonym Discussion at preceding