precede
pre|cede /prɪs'iːd/ (precedes preceding preceded)
1 [VERB] V n, be V-ed by n, V-ing
If one event or period of time precedes another, it happens before it. (FORMAL)
Intensive negotiations between the main parties preceded the vote...
The earthquake was preceded by a loud roar and lasted 20 seconds...
Industrial orders had already fallen in the preceding months.
2 [VERB] V n, be V-ed by n
If you precede someone somewhere, you go in front of them. (FORMAL)
He gestured to Alice to precede them from the room...
They were preceded by mounted cowboys.
3 [VERB] V n, V-ing
A sentence, paragraph, or chapter that precedes another one comes just before it.
Look at the information that precedes the paragraph in question...
Repeat the exercises described in the preceding section.
≠ follow
1 [VERB] V n, be V-ed by n, V-ing
If one event or period of time precedes another, it happens before it. (FORMAL)
Intensive negotiations between the main parties preceded the vote...
The earthquake was preceded by a loud roar and lasted 20 seconds...
Industrial orders had already fallen in the preceding months.
2 [VERB] V n, be V-ed by n
If you precede someone somewhere, you go in front of them. (FORMAL)
He gestured to Alice to precede them from the room...
They were preceded by mounted cowboys.
3 [VERB] V n, V-ing
A sentence, paragraph, or chapter that precedes another one comes just before it.
Look at the information that precedes the paragraph in question...
Repeat the exercises described in the preceding section.
≠ follow