predecessor

pre·de·ces·sor

noun
\ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər, ˈprē-; ˌpre-də-ˈ, ˌprē-\

Definition of PREDECESSOR

1

: one that precedes; especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded

2

archaic : ancestor

Examples of PREDECESSOR

1. Today's computers are much faster than their predecessors were.
2. <the once-ubiquitous typewriter was the predecessor of today's electronic keyboard>

Origin of PREDECESSOR

Middle English predecessour, from Anglo-French predecessur, from Late Latin praedecessor, from Latin prae- pre- + decessor retiring governor, from decedere to depart, retire from office — more at decease

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PREDECESSOR

Synonyms: antecedent, archetype, daddy, foregoer, forerunner, granddaddy (also grandaddy), precursor, ancestor, prototype

Antonyms: descendant (also descendent)

Related Words: model, original; originator, sire; father, mother

Near Antonyms: by-product, derivative, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off; daughter, son

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Rhymes with PREDECESSOR

antecessor, food processor, intercessor, second-guesser, window dresser, word processor