Spell Bee Word: antecedent

Basic Details

Word: Antecedent

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: Something that comes before something else, especially a word or phrase that a pronoun refers to.

Synonyms: Preceding, forerunner

Antonyms: Consequent, successor

Idioms and Phrases

1. Set the stage: To prepare for what will follow. Example: "The teacher set the stage by explaining the history that serves as an antecedent to the story we were about to read."
2. Can't see the forest for the trees: To miss the big picture because you're focused on small details. Example: "In analysing the sentence, he couldn't see the forest for the trees and forgot the antecedent for the pronoun."

Usage Examples

Example 1: In the sentence, 'The dog wagged its tail', 'dog' is the antecedent for 'its'.

Example 2: Understanding the antecedent in a sentence can help clarify the meaning of pronouns.

Example 3: The antecedent event led to the new policy that was introduced in our school.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the word "antecedent" comes from the Latin phrase 'antecedens,' which means 'going before'? It has been used in English since the 15th century!

Famous Quote

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X, highlighting the importance of antecedents in shaping our paths.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "antecedent" mean?

a) Something unimportant
b) Something that comes after
c) Something that comes before
d) A type of plant

Answer: c) Something that comes before

2. Which of these is a synonym of "antecedent"?

a) Consequence
b) Preceding
c) Following
d) Result

Answer: b) Preceding

3. Which of these is an antonym of "antecedent"?

a) Precursor
b) Successor
c) Forebear
d) Ancestor

Answer: b) Successor

4. Which sentence correctly uses "antecedent"?

a) The antecedent of the story was thrilling and engaging.
b) The antecedent is the last part of the movie.
c) Everyone laughed at the antecedent joke.
d) The antecedent word helps to understand the pronoun.

Answer: d) The antecedent word helps to understand the pronoun.

5. Which idiom means preparing for what comes next, similar to an antecedent?

a) Can't see the forest for the trees
b) Set the stage
c) Breaking new ground
d) On cloud nine

Answer: b) Set the stage