preceding

[pri-see-ding]

adjective

1. that precedes; previous.

   Refer back to the footnote on the preceding page.

   Synonyms: former, prior, foregoing
   Antonyms: following, succeeding

preceding

/ prɪˈsiːdɪŋ /

adjective

1. (prenominal) going or coming before; former

Word History and Origins

Origin of preceding¹

First recorded in 1485–95; precede + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Root had managed a high score of 27 in his five preceding innings this season, with three single-figure scores, but opened the Rockets innings in combative mood.

From BBC

The court ruled that, whatever the map's flaws, Thailand had failed to challenge them in the preceding half century.

From BBC

Whitewashed 0-3 at home by New Zealand, followed by a 3-1 drubbing by Australia Down Under in two preceding series, India looked vulnerable and wobbly.

From BBC

Gething's short stint as first minister was dominated by a donation of £200,000 from a man previous convicted of illegally dumping waste to his preceding leadership campaign.

From BBC

The submersible did complete 13 dives to the Titanic in the two years preceding the tragedy.

From BBC

Related Words

• introductory 
• previous 
• prior 

When To Use

What does preceding mean?

Preceding means coming before. A close synonym is previous.As an adjective, preceding is always used before a noun, as in the preceding chapter. Preceding can also be used as the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb precede, which means to come before.In most cases, the opposite of preceding is following, meaning coming after. For example, if you’re reading Chapter 7, the preceding chapter is Chapter 6, and the following chapter is Chapter 8.Example: The seventh book in the series features many of the same characters as the six preceding novels.