B2 verb Formal

precede

/prɪˈsiːd/

To happen, go, or exist before something else in time, order, or rank. It is frequently used to describe a sequence of events where one action sets the stage for the next.

Examples

3 of 5
1

A brief introductory video will precede the main presentation.

A brief introductory video will precede the main presentation.

2

The signing of the international treaty was preceded by years of intense diplomatic negotiations.

The signing of the international treaty was preceded by years of intense diplomatic negotiations.

3

I think your brother's graduation will precede mine by just one week.

I think your brother's graduation will precede mine by just one week.

Word Family

Noun
precedence
Verb
precede
Adverb
precedently
Adjective
preceding
Related
precedent
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Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'pre-', which means 'before' (like in 'prefix' or 'pre-order'). The root 'cede' means 'to go'. So, to precede is 'to go before.'

Quick Quiz

The heavy thunder was ______ by several bright flashes of lightning.

Correct!

The correct answer is: preceded

Examples

1

A brief introductory video will precede the main presentation.

everyday

A brief introductory video will precede the main presentation.

2

The signing of the international treaty was preceded by years of intense diplomatic negotiations.

formal

The signing of the international treaty was preceded by years of intense diplomatic negotiations.

3

I think your brother's graduation will precede mine by just one week.

informal

I think your brother's graduation will precede mine by just one week.

4

In chronological terms, the Bronze Age preceded the Iron Age in most ancient civilizations.

academic

In chronological terms, the Bronze Age preceded the Iron Age in most ancient civilizations.

5

A comprehensive risk assessment must precede any major capital expenditure.

business

A comprehensive risk assessment must precede any major capital expenditure.

Word Family

Noun
precedence
Verb
precede
Adverb
precedently
Adjective
preceding
Related
precedent

Common Collocations

immediately precede immediately precede
precede the arrival precede the arrival
precede with a warning precede with a warning
precede by a few minutes precede by a few minutes
events that precede events that precede

Common Phrases

take precedence over

take precedence over

precede one's arrival

precede one's arrival

preceded by a period of

preceded by a period of

Often Confused With

precede vs proceed

To precede means to go before in time or order, while to proceed means to begin or continue a course of action.

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Usage Notes

The word is typically used as a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object (e.g., A precedes B). It is more common in formal and academic contexts than in casual conversation.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the spelling with 'proceed' or incorrectly use a preposition like 'to' after it; remember that 'A precedes B' is the correct structure.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'pre-', which means 'before' (like in 'prefix' or 'pre-order'). The root 'cede' means 'to go'. So, to precede is 'to go before.'

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'praecedere', from 'prae' (before) and 'cedere' (to go).

Grammar Patterns

Transitive verb: Subject + precede + Object Often used in the passive voice: B is preceded by A Regular verb conjugation: precede, preceded, preceding

Quick Quiz

The heavy thunder was ______ by several bright flashes of lightning.

Correct!

The correct answer is: preceded

Related Words

exarchness

C1

The state or quality of being an exarch, specifically referring to the authoritative status or regional jurisdiction of a deputy ruler or high-ranking ecclesiastical official. It describes the inherent power and dignity associated with governing a province or diocese on behalf of a higher sovereign.

perihumer

C1

A technical term referring to the anatomical region or specific tissue structures immediately surrounding the humerus bone in the upper arm. It is primarily used in orthopedic medicine and physical therapy to describe areas of concern during surgery, injury assessment, or prosthetic fitting.

microfluship

C1

A precise, automated release of a minimal amount of fluid or data used to clear a micro-system or reset high-sensitivity sensors. It is typically employed in microfluidic engineering and advanced computing to prevent sediment buildup or signal noise.

antiponness

C1

The quality or state of being opposed to or averse to hard labor, toil, or physical exertion. It describes a deep-seated resistance to performing arduous tasks, often found in philosophical or psychological discussions about the nature of work.

forenumerary

C1

Describes something that pertains to an initial or preliminary counting or listing that occurs before the main enumeration. It is typically used in administrative, historical, or technical contexts to refer to items or individuals recorded ahead of a final official tally.

detangite

C1

To separate components, strands, or ideas that have become intricately intertwined or knotted. It is most frequently used in formal or technical contexts to describe the process of unravelling a complex situation, data set, or physical structure.

unitangine

C1

Describing a process or system that operates through a single point of contact or a singular, unbranching focus. It is often used in technical or analytical contexts to denote a direct and isolated interaction between two entities.

enjectment

C1

Ejectment is a legal action or remedy brought by a person who claims title to real property to recover possession of that property. It is primarily used to remove a tenant or squatter who is wrongfully occupying the land and to settle disputes regarding the rightful owner's title.

invertite

C1

Describing something that has been reversed in position, order, or nature, or turned upside down. It is a highly specialized or archaic term used primarily in technical, historical, or biological contexts to denote a state of inversion.

malteghood

C1

Describing a state marked by deep-seated communal loyalty and historical resilience. It refers to qualities or behaviors that prioritize the preservation of a group's collective identity and shared fortitude above individual interests.

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