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Antecedent Definition & Meaning

antecedent
adjective
  1. preceding in time or order
noun
  1. someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
  2. a preceding occurrence or cause or event
  3. anything that precedes something similar in time; "phrenology was an antecedent of modern neuroscience"
  4. the referent of an anaphor; a phrase or clause that is referred to by an anaphoric pronoun

"Antecedent" in song lyrics

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  • "define antecedent"
    AOL — AOL

Usage tips for "antecedent"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "antecedent" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for antecedent to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does antecedent mean?
preceding in time or order someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent) a preceding occurrence or cause or event anything that precedes something similar in time; "phrenology was an antecedent of modern neuroscience" the referent of an anaphor; a phrase or clause that is referred to by an anaphoric pronoun
What part of speech is antecedent?
Antecedent is an adjective and a noun.
How many definitions does antecedent have?
Antecedent has 5 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, noun).

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