ANTECEDENT Meaning and
Definition
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The term "antecedent" is a noun that commonly refers to a preceding event, circumstance, or action that serves as a cause or precursor to another event or situation. It is used to describe something that comes before or exists prior to another, often influencing or determining subsequent occurrences. In a broader sense, antecedent can also denote a historical or ancestral factor that has an impact on current conditions or developments.
Antecedent is frequently employed within linguistics to describe a word, phrase, or clause that a pronoun refers to or replaces, establishing a clear connection to what came before it. In this context, antecedents are essential for maintaining coherence and clarity in communication, and can be seen as the referent from which a pronoun has derived its meaning.
Within mathematics and logic, antecedent is used as a term in conditional statements, namely in the "if...then" format. It represents the initial or conditional proposition upon which the subsequent consequence or result is dependent.
Beyond these contexts, antecedent may be used as an adjective to characterize someone who precedes or comes prior to another, particularly in terms of genealogy or hierarchy. It also has relevance within legal proceedings to denote a document or event that has occurred prior to a case being considered, and may have an impact on the ruling or outcome.
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• That which goes before in time or place.
• Going before in time or place.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ANTECEDENT *
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Other Common Misspellings for ANTECEDENT
Etymology of ANTECEDENT
The word "antecedent" comes from Latin "antecedens", the present participle of the verb "antecedere", which is a combination of "ante" meaning "before" and "cedere" meaning "to go". In English, "antecedent" was first used as a noun in the early 17th century, referring to something that precedes or comes before another thing. It later took on the additional meaning of a grammatical term, referring to a word, phrase, or clause that a pronoun refers back to.
Similar spelling words for ANTECEDENT
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