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precursor — a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpriːkɜːrsər/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother's flip phone was the precursor to my addiction to smartphones.
  • Scientists believe this extinct species was a precursor to modern birds.
  • The dark clouds were a precursor to the storm that ruined our picnic.

precursor

NOUN

[/ˈpriːkɜːrsər/]

a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner

While the modern jet flew at lightning speed, the wooden glider sat in the museum as its brave precursor.
💡 Concept

While the modern jet flew at lightning speed, the wooden glider sat in the museum as its brave precursor.

PRE(before) + CURS(run) — deciding to CURS(run) PRE(before) the main army, the scout acted as a vital precursor.
🧠 Mnemonic

PRE(before) + CURS(run) — deciding to CURS(run) PRE(before) the main army, the scout acted as a vital precursor.

Staring at the frozen mouse cursor, he realized it was a terrifying precursor to a total system crash.
🎵 Rhyme

Staring at the frozen mouse cursor, he realized it was a terrifying precursor to a total system crash.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈpriːkɜːrsər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈpriːkɜːsə/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpre--
Rootcursor

Origin

From Latin praecursor, meaning 'one who runs ahead' or 'forerunner.' The word literally described someone who ran in front to announce or prepare the way for what was coming.

Breakdown

prae- (before/in front) + curs- (run/course) + -or (one who does)

🎵Rhyme

cursor
processor
successor

🔗Collocations

precursor to
early precursor
direct precursor
evolutionary precursor
chemical precursor
precursor event

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My grandmother's flip phone was the precursor to my addiction to smartphones.”

“Scientists believe this extinct species was a precursor to modern birds.”

“The dark clouds were a precursor to the storm that ruined our picnic.”

😄 Fun example

“His constant yawning was a precursor to him falling asleep during the meeting.”

📚Related Words

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