precede
To come before something in time, order, or position
Examples
In a meeting
“The planning phase should precede any major development work.”
Over coffee
“Dinner will precede the movie, so let's meet at six.”
Why this word
come before
precede is the precise formal term for temporal or spatial priority, while come before is an informal phrase
lead
precede specifically means to exist or occur before in time or order, while lead implies guiding or being at the front of something ongoing
antecede
precede is the standard term for coming before in sequence, while antecede is rare and overly formal
Usage tip
Use to describe sequential order or timing. Remember: precede (come before) vs. proceed (continue forward).
Etymology
Latin 'praecedere' (prae- 'before' + cedere 'go')
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Related words
subsequent
Coming after something in time or order.
synchronize
Make things happen at the same time or work together
prerequisite
Something required before something else can happen
fortuitous
Happening by chance in a lucky or beneficial way
impending
About to happen soon, often with negative implications
premature
Occurring before the appropriate or expected time