Predecessor vs. Successor: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A predecessor is an entity that precedes another in time, order, or position, while a successor is one that follows or comes after the predecessor.
Key Differences
A predecessor refers to someone or something that came before another in a sequence or a position. This term is often used in historical, professional, or genealogical contexts. Conversely, a successor is someone or something that follows or takes over a role, position, or title from the predecessor. It implies a continuity or a transfer of responsibilities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
In the context of technology or products, a predecessor is an earlier model or version, which was replaced or improved upon by the successor. The successor, in this case, is the subsequent version that typically features improvements, updates, or corrections over its predecessor.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
In terms of relationships, a predecessor might be the former holder of a job or office, whose policies, achievements, or failures can influence the environment in which the successor operates. The successor, then, inherits the legacy of the predecessor and may be expected to build upon or diverge from it.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
In a narrative or storytelling context, a predecessor could be a prequel or an earlier story in a series. The successor, in this instance, would be the sequel or subsequent story that continues the narrative established by its predecessor.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Within family lineages, the predecessor is an ancestor or a family member from a previous generation. The successor is a descendant or a family member from a succeeding generation, inheriting traditions, names, or property from the predecessor.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Role in Sequence
First or earlier in a sequence or series
Next or later in a sequence or series
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Relationship
Leaves a legacy or sets a precedent
Inherits or builds upon that legacy
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Context of Usage
Often refers to former roles or versions
Usually denotes current or future entities
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Connotation
May imply outdated or obsolete
Often suggests improvement or advancement
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Predecessor and Successor Definitions
Predecessor
In technology, a predecessor is an earlier model or version.
Windows 7 is the predecessor of Windows 10.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Successor
A successor is an entity that follows another in order or sequence.
Android 12 is the successor to Android 11.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Predecessor
A predecessor is an entity that came before another in a particular order.
The iPhone 8 is a predecessor to the iPhone X.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Successor
In genealogy, a successor is a descendant or later family member.
In our family, I am considered the successor to my parents.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Predecessor
In storytelling, a predecessor is the preceding story or event in a series.
The prequel of the movie serves as a predecessor to the original film.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Successor
Successor denotes the next holder of a position or title.
The vice president is often seen as the successor to the president.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Predecessor
In genealogy, a predecessor refers to an ancestor or earlier family member.
In my family tree, my great-grandfather is a predecessor to my grandfather.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Successor
In storytelling, a successor is the subsequent story or event in a series.
The sequel is often more successful than its predecessor.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Predecessor
One who precedes another in time, especially in holding an office or position.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Successor
In technology, a successor is the following model or version.
The PlayStation 5 is the successor of the PlayStation 4.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Predecessor
Something that has been succeeded by another
The new building is more spacious than its predecessor.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Successor
A person or thing that immediately follows another in holding an office or title.
George W. Bush was successor to Bill Clinton as President of the US.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Predecessor
One who precedes; one who has preceded another in any state, position, office, etc.; one whom another follows or comes after, in any office or position.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Predecessor
A model or type of machinery or device which precedes the current (or later) one. Usually used to describe an earlier, outdated model.
The steam engine was the predecessor of diesel and electric locomotives.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Predecessor
(mathematics) A vertex having a directed path to another vertex
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Successor
The integer, ordinal number or cardinal number immediately following another.
A limit ordinal is not the successor of any ordinal.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Predecessor
One who precedes; one who has preceded another in any state, position, office, etc.; one whom another follows or comes after, in any office or position.
A prince who was as watchful as his predecessor had been over the interests of the state.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Successor
One who succeeds or follows; one who takes the place which another has left, and sustains the like part or character; - correlative to predecessor; as, the successor of a deceased king.
A gift to a corporation, either of lands or of chattels, without naming their successors, vests an absolute property in them so lond as the corporation subsists.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Predecessor
One who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Successor
A person who follows next in order;
He was President Lincoln's successor
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Predecessor
Predecessor denotes the former holder of a position or title.
The current CEO constantly refers to the strategies of her predecessor.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can the term predecessor apply to events?
Yes, it can refer to earlier events that precede others in a sequence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can a successor be a product?
Yes, in terms of models or versions, like a new smartphone model succeeding an older one.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
How does a successor relate to its predecessor in business?
A successor typically follows the path set by the predecessor or seeks to improve upon it.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
What does a predecessor mean in a job context?
It refers to the person who previously held the job before the current occupant.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Are predecessors always older than successors?
In terms of time, yes, predecessors are always from an earlier time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is a predecessor always a person?
No, it can also refer to things like earlier product models or stories in a series.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
What is a common use of the term successor in technology?
It's often used to describe a new version or update of a product or software.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
In literature, how is a predecessor different from a successor?
A predecessor is a previous work in a series, while a successor is a following work.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can a successor revert changes made by a predecessor?
Yes, especially in roles like executives or politicians.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Does a successor have to be directly related to its predecessor?
Typically, yes, there's usually a direct connection or sequence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can a predecessor and successor exist in a family tree?
Yes, ancestors are predecessors, and descendants are successors.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
In sports, how might the terms be used?
A predecessor might be a former team champion, and the successor is the current champion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Do successors always improve upon their predecessors?
Not necessarily, but they often aim to build upon or surpass them.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
In music, how might these terms be used?
An earlier album is a predecessor to the later ones, which are successors.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can a predecessor influence the role of a successor?
Absolutely, through established policies, reputation, or decisions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can an idea or concept have a predecessor or successor?
Yes, earlier or later versions of an idea can be seen in this way.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is it common for a successor to face challenges due to their predecessor?
Yes, successors often deal with legacies, issues, or expectations set by predecessors.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Are predecessor and successor terms used in religion?
Yes, in the context of religious leaders or figures.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Can buildings or structures have predecessors and successors?
Yes, especially in terms of architectural styles or renovations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Is it always clear who or what is a predecessor or successor?
Generally, yes, but it can depend on context and interpretation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 06, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
