adj.
Pronunciation: pri- ' s ē -di ŋ
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
: that immediately precedes in time or place <the preceding day> < preceding paragraphs>
synonyms PRECEDING , ANTECEDENT , FOREGOING , PREVIOUS , PRIOR , FORMER , ANTERIOR mean being before. PRECEDING usually implies being immediately before in time or in place <the preceding sentence>. ANTECEDENT applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation <conditions antecedent to the revolution>. FOREGOING applies chiefly to statements <the foregoing remarks>. PREVIOUS and PRIOR imply existing or occurring earlier, but PRIOR often adds an implication of greater importance <a child from a previous marriage> <a prior obligation>. FORMER implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter <the former name of the company>. ANTERIOR applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order <the anterior lobe of the brain>.