Antecedent - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An antecedent is a word, phrase, or clause that a pronoun refers back to in a sentence. It provides clarity by establishing what the pronoun represents. For example, in The dog wagged its tail, dog is the antecedent of its.
Definition:
A thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another.
Synonyms:
precursor, forerunner, predecessor, ancestor
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
descendant, successor
Common Collocations:
antecedent condition, antecedent event, grammatical antecedent
Derivatives:
antecedence, antecedently
Usage Tips:
Use "antecedent" to refer to something that comes before another in time or logic, often in grammar or history.
Common Phrases:
antecedent clause, antecedent action, without antecedent
Etymology:
From Latin "antecedens," meaning "going before," from "ante" (before) + "cedere" (to go).
Examples:
- 1. The antecedent of this tradition is unclear.
- 2. Her research focuses on the antecedents of modern democracy.
- 3. In grammar, a pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number and gender.
- 4. The storm was the antecedent to the power outage.