precursor
noun
ˈprē-ˌkər- 
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Precursor Has Latin Roots
With its prefix pre-, meaning "before", a precursor is literally a "forerunner", and in fact forerunner first appeared as the translation of the Latin praecursor. But the two words function a little differently today. A forerunner may simply come before another thing, but a precursor generally paves the way for something. So, for example, the Office of Strategic Services in World War II was the immediate precursor of today's Central Intelligence Agency, while the blues music of the 1930s and 1940s was only one of the precursors of the rock and roll of today.
Synonyms
- angel
- foregoer
- forerunner
- harbinger
- herald
- outrider
Example Sentences
Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 As football grew in the 1880s, so did the precursor to the modern tailgate. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 8 Sep. 2022 Guests are welcome to mingle with neighbors and partake in drink specials and complimentary light bites, as a celebratory precursor to the food and drink event. Megha Mcswain, Chron, 8 Sep. 2022 The toll is growing, partly reflecting an aging population and a high prevalence of diabetes, a precursor to such diseases as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Ron Winslow, WSJ, 4 Sep. 2022 The company’s mission to make mining accessible to everyone is a potential precursor to creating industry and societal leverage to make the currency easier to use everywhere. Josh Wilson, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 Production has wrapped on Blackberry, a new film that examines the rise and fall of the iPhone precursor and Research in Motion (RIM), the company behind it. Chris Morris, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2022 The study looked at people ages 65-88, most suffering typical memory loss or mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 23 Aug. 2022 As the precursor to the Latino Museum, the gallery will host exhibits and programs until the museum opens. Peggy Mcglone, Washington Post, 22 June 2022 See More Word History
Middle English precursoure, from Latin praecursor, from praecurrere to run before, from prae- pre- + currere to run — more at current entry 1
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Medical Definition
precursor
noun
ˈprē-ˌ precursor
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- forerunner
- harbinger
- herald
- symptom
- sign
- angel
- outrider
- foretaste
- foregoer
- foreshadowing
- messenger
- forewarning
- presage
- foreshadower
- portent
- advertiser
- announcer
- prefiguring
- runner
- omen
- boding
- crier
- bellwether
- proclaimer
- foreboder
- courier
- auspice
- foreboding
- blazoner
- augury
- mark
Synonyms & Similar Words
- forerunner
- ancestor
- prototype
- predecessor
- original
- granddaddy
- antecedent
- archetype
- grandaddy
- originator
- daddy
- model
- foregoer
- mother
- sire
- father
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- descendant
- descendent
- derivative
- outgrowth
- offshoot
- by-product
- son
- daughter
- spin-off
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of precursor are forerunner, harbinger, and herald. While all these words mean "one that goes before or announces the coming of another," precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another.
The words forerunner and precursor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.
Harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event.