antecedent

/ˌantɪˈsiːdənt/

noun

  1. 1

    Any thing that precedes another thing, especially the cause of the second thing.

  2. 2

    An ancestor.

  3. 3

    (grammar) A word, phrase or clause referred to by a pronoun.

  4. 4

    The conditional part of a hypothetical proposition, i.e. p \rightarrow q, where p is the antecedent, and q is the consequent.

  5. 5

    The first of two subsets of a sequent, consisting of all the sequent's formulae which are valuated as true.

  6. 6

    The first term of a ratio, i.e. the term a in the ratio a:b, the other being the consequent.

  7. 7

    (chiefly in the plural) Previous principles, conduct, history, etc.

adjective

  1. 1

    Earlier, either in time or in order.

    an antecedent cause
  2. 2

    Presumptive.

    an antecedent improbability

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