Predecessor
easyPRED-uh-ses-er
noun
Definition
A person who held a job or office before the current holder
Examples
“The new CEO faced challenges left by her predecessor.”
“This model is far superior to its predecessor.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Predecessor is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "forerunner" or "precursor" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "successor".
Related GRE Words
harbinger
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another
precursor
A person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner
arduous
Requiring great effort; difficult and tiring
aesthetic
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty
resilient
Able to recover quickly from difficulties; tough and flexible
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; unclear
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