Predecessor
/ˌprɛd.ɪˈsɛs.ər/noun
A person who held a job or office before the current holder.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, a predecessor was often seen as a spiritual guide, leading the way into the unknown, blurring lines between life and death.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰe-
“to put, to place, to set”
Latin
Latin
praedecessor
“one who goes before, an ancestor or forerunner”
Late Latin
Late Latin
praedecessor
“a person who precedes in office or position”
Old French
Old French
prédécesseur
“forerunner, predecessor, one who comes before”
Middle English
Middle English
predecessour
“one who occupies a position before another”
Modern English
English
predecessor
“one who precedes another in a role or office, often with historical implications”