pre·cede 
/prɪˈsi:d/ verb
pre·cedes; pre·ced·ed; pre·ced·ing /prɪˈsi:d/ verb [+ obj] somewhat formal 1 : to happen, go, or come before (something or someone)
▪ Riots preceded the civil war. ▪ She preceded him into the room. ▪ The country became more conservative in the years that preceded his election. ▪ The new mayor is very different from the person who preceded her in office. ▪ The meeting was preceded by a brief welcoming speech. — see also preceding 2 : to do or say something before (something)
▪ The chairman preceded the meeting with a brief welcoming speech.
▪ Riots preceded the civil war. ▪ She preceded him into the room. ▪ The country became more conservative in the years that preceded his election. ▪ The new mayor is very different from the person who preceded her in office. ▪ The meeting was preceded by a brief welcoming speech. — see also preceding
▪ The chairman preceded the meeting with a brief welcoming speech.
