Basic Details
Word: Predecessor
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Someone or something that came before another in a position, role or process.
Synonyms: Ancestor, forerunner, precursor
Antonyms: Successor
Idioms and Phrases
- Follow in someone's footsteps: To do what someone else did before you. Example: "He always wanted to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who was a great leader."
- In the shadow of: To be less significant or important because of someone else. Example: "The new team member feels like she is in the shadow of her predecessor, who was highly praised."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The new manager tried to improve the company culture that had been established by her predecessor.
Example 2: Many inventions we enjoy today were built upon the ideas of their predecessors.
Example 3: The singer's latest album pays tribute to her musical predecessors, acknowledging their influence on her work.
Fun Fact
The word "predecessor" comes from the Latin word 'praedecessor', which means "to go before". This shows how the concept has roots in language that refer to coming before someone or something.
Famous Quote
"We stand on the shoulders of those who come before us." - Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "predecessor" mean?
a) Someone who comes after
b) Someone who comes before
c) A type of animal
d) A name for a friend
Answer: b) Someone who comes before
2. Which of these is a synonym of "predecessor"?
a) Successor
b) Ancestor
c) Descendant
d) Follower
Answer: b) Ancestor
3. What is the antonym of "predecessor"?
a) Precursor
b) Ancestor
c) Successor
d) Forerunner
Answer: c) Successor
4. Which sentence uses "predecessor" correctly?
a) The predecessor of the dining chair was very uncomfortable.
b) The predecessor won the race.
c) The predecessor of the new park was a warehouse.
d) The predecessor jumped high in the sky.
Answer: c) The predecessor of the new park was a warehouse.
5. Which idiom means to follow someone in a similar role?
a) In the shadow of
b) Follow in someone's footsteps
c) A horse of a different colour
d) As busy as a bee
Answer: b) Follow in someone's footsteps
