English vocabulary · B2
Precede
/prɪˈsiːd/ · v.
It means to happen or come before something else in time.
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Example sentences
- Dark clouds precede every summer storm.
- A loud bell precedes each train arrival.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- pre — before (from Latin)
- cede — go (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- COME BEFORE — happen earlier (General & Common)
- LEAD — go first in a line (Order-Focused)
- INTRODUCE — bring in before the main part (Formal Setup)
Words with the same root
cede — go
- proceed — to keep going forward
- succeed — to reach a goal or do well
- exceed — to go past a limit
Lesson notes
Precede. It means to happen or come before something else in time.
Similar words are come, lead, and introduce. Use precede when one event always happens right before another.
Dark clouds precede every summer storm. A loud bell precedes each train arrival.
From Latin. Pre- means before. Cede- means go. Going before something else in time — that is precede.