To occur before something else, the fact that something occured earlier.
To move ahead (of others) in time or space.
be the predecessor of
move ahead (of others) in time or space
come before; "Most English adjectives precede the noun they modify"
be earlier in time; go back further
furnish with a preface or introduction; "She always precedes her lectures with a joke"; "He prefaced his lecture with a critical remark about the institution"
be the predecessor of; "Bill preceded John in the long line of Susan''s husbands"
be earlier in time; go back further; "Stone tools precede bronze tools"
