antecedent

/ˌantɪˈsiːdənt/
/ˌantɪˈsiːdənt/

noun

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

  2. An ancestor.

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

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

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

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

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

Synonyms: ascendant, ascendent, forebear, forefather, forerunner, predecessor, progenitor, precedent, precursor
Antonyms: anaphor, consequent, succedent

adjective

  1. Earlier, either in time or in order.

    "an antecedent cause"

  2. Presumptive.

    "an antecedent improbability"