1. things that come before or precede something else in time or order
Usage: plural form
2. a person’s ancestors or family background
Usage: plural form
3. past events or circumstances that influence or explain later developments
Usage: plural form

Examples

• The historical antecedents of the war can be traced back decades.
• She researched her family’s antecedents to create a genealogy chart.
• The company’s financial troubles had clear antecedents in poor management decisions.
• In the sentence ‘John lost his keys,’ the word ‘John’ is the antecedent of ‘his.’
• The antecedents of modern democracy include ancient Greek city-states.
• His criminal antecedents made it difficult for him to find employment.