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precursora 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

The forerunner that came before
💡 Concept

The forerunner that came before

The PRE-CURSOR runs ahead — always first, always leading the way!
🧠 Mnemonic

The PRE-CURSOR runs ahead — always first, always leading the way!

Every precursor builds the path for its processor successor!
🎵 Rhyme

Every precursor builds the path for its processor successor!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤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

cursorprocessorsuccessor
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

Synonyms

forerunnerpredecessorharbingerheraldpioneer

Antonyms

successorfollowerdescendant

Related

ancestorprototypepreviewwarning sign

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