The meaning of ANTECEDENT is a substantive word, phrase, or clause whose denotation is referred to by a pronoun that typically follows the substantive (such as John in 'Maria saw John and called to him'); broadly : a word or phrase replaced by a substitute. How to use antecedent in a sentence. Did you know? Synonym Discussion of Antecedent.
An antecedent is the thing represented by a pronoun. For example, in the sentence 'John knows Tim and likes him,' Tim is the antecedent of him. The antecedent of a pronoun is a noun.
1 antecedent /ˌæntə ˈ siːdənt/ noun plural antecedents Britannica Dictionary definition of ANTECEDENT 1 [count] grammar : a word or phrase that is represented by another word (such as a pronoun)
an te ced ent (an′tə sēd′ nt), adj. preceding; prior: an antecedent event. n. a preceding circumstance, event, object, style, phenomenon, etc. antecedents: ancestors. the history, events, characteristics, etc., of one's earlier life: Little is known about his birth and antecedents. Grammar a word, phrase, or clause, usually a substantive, that is replaced by a pronoun or other ...
ANTECEDENT definition: preceding; prior. See examples of antecedent used in a sentence.
ANTECEDENT definition: 1. someone or something existing or happening before, especially as the cause or origin of…. Learn more.
Definition of antecedent noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
What is the etymology of the word antecedent? antecedent is of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French antecedent; Latin antecēdent-, antecēdens.
antecedent, adj. & adv. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English ...