Successor vs. Predecessor: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 2, 2023
A successor follows or replaces another in a role or position, while a predecessor is the one who held the role or position before.
Key Differences
Successor and predecessor represent opposite concepts relating to the sequence or transition of roles, positions, or elements. A successor is an individual or entity that follows and typically replaces another in holding a position, role, or status. It’s used to describe the person or thing that comes after another in time, typically implying a continuation or progression in a series or succession line. Successors often inherit or adopt the responsibilities, duties, and privileges of their predecessors, signifying forward movement or advancement in time or sequence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Conversely, a predecessor is an individual or entity that previously held a position, role, or status before being succeeded by another. This term is used to describe someone or something that has been replaced or followed by a successor. Predecessors represent the past holders or manifestations of roles or positions, indicating a prior state or condition in a series or succession line. They are the ones who have set precedents, established conditions, or performed duties before passing them onto their successors.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
In the context of roles or positions, the successor is the next holder or occupant, assuming the function, duty, or status previously held by the predecessor. Successors are associated with newness, the future, and continuation, stepping into the shoes of their predecessors to carry on the work or maintain the status established by them. The concept of a successor implies an onward and upward movement, a step forward in time, or progression in a series or lineage.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
On the other hand, the predecessor is associated with the past, originality, and establishment, being the former holder or occupant of a role or position. Predecessors have laid the groundwork, established the norms, and set the standards that are to be followed or modified by their successors. They signify the starting point, the origin, or the former state of a role or position in a sequence or lineage.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
In summary, a successor represents the forthcoming, the new holder of a role or position, taking over from a predecessor. A predecessor signifies the preceding, the former holder of a role or position, who has been followed by a successor. These terms illustrate the continuity and transition in roles, positions, or sequences, reflecting the cyclic nature of progression and succession in various contexts.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Temporal
Pertains to the future or forthcoming holder of a role.
Pertains to the past or former holder of a role.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Orientation
Follows or replaces another in a role or position.
Held the role or position before being succeeded by another.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Connotation
Implies continuation or progression in a series.
Represents a prior state or condition in a series.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Association
Newness, advancement, inheritance.
Originality, establishment, foundation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
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Successor and Predecessor Definitions
Successor
A person or thing that succeeds another in time.
The next generation is the successor to the current one.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Predecessor
One who held a role or position before the current holder.
The previous model was the predecessor to the current one.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Successor
An individual who takes over the responsibilities and duties of another.
The vice president is the likely successor to the president.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Predecessor
A person or thing that preceded another in time.
The original design is the predecessor to the updated version.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Successor
An entity or person that inherits a role or status.
The new CEO is the successor of the company’s founder.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
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Predecessor
An entity or person that was succeeded by another.
The former CEO is the predecessor of the current leader.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Successor
The next in line or sequence.
The upcoming model is the successor to the existing one.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Predecessor
The one who was in a role or position in the past.
The past generation was the predecessor to the present one.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Successor
One who follows or replaces another in a role or position.
The current president is the successor to the previous one.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Predecessor
An individual whose responsibilities and duties have been taken over by another.
The founding president is the predecessor of the current president.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Predecessor
One who precedes another in time, especially in holding an office or position.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 22, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 22, 2023
Predecessor
Something that has been succeeded by another
The new building is more spacious than its predecessor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 22, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 22, 2023
Successor
The integer, ordinal number or cardinal number immediately following another.
A limit ordinal is not the successor of any ordinal.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 22, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 22, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 22, 2023
Successor
A person who follows next in order;
He was President Lincoln's successor
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 22, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 22, 2023
Predecessor
One who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 22, 2023
FAQs
Can a predecessor influence a successor?
Yes, a predecessor can significantly influence a successor through established norms, conditions, and precedents.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can there be multiple successors and predecessors in a sequence?
Yes, there can be a series of successors and predecessors in chronological order or sequence.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
What is the key distinction between a successor and a predecessor?
A successor follows or replaces someone in a role, while a predecessor is the one who was in the role before.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is a successor always an individual?
No, a successor can be an individual, entity, concept, or system that follows or replaces another.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is the role of a successor always identical to that of their predecessor?
No, the role of a successor may evolve or change, differing from that of their predecessor.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can a predecessor return to their former role after being succeeded?
It is possible, though uncommon, for a predecessor to return to their former role, depending on the circumstances and regulations.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Do successors always follow immediately after their predecessors?
Typically, yes, but there can be interim periods or transitions between a predecessor leaving and a successor assuming the role.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can an entity be both a successor and a predecessor?
Yes, an entity can be a successor to one predecessor and, in turn, become a predecessor to a future successor.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Can a successor have multiple predecessors?
Typically, a successor has one immediate predecessor but may have multiple predecessors in a broader historical or sequential context.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Do the terms successor and predecessor imply a hierarchy?
Often, but not necessarily; they primarily denote sequence or succession, which can occur in hierarchical and non-hierarchical contexts.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Can a successor reject the approaches of their predecessor?
Yes, a successor may choose to adopt, modify, or reject the approaches and policies of their predecessor.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Is the concept of successor and predecessor limited to roles and positions?
No, these concepts can also apply to sequences, generations, models, versions, and more.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Can a predecessor and successor coexist?
In some cases, a predecessor may remain in a different capacity while their successor assumes the primary role.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can a predecessor’s actions affect the success of their successor?
Absolutely, the actions, decisions, and policies of a predecessor can have lasting impacts on their successor.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Can the words successor and predecessor be used interchangeably?
No, they have opposite meanings; successor refers to one who follows, while predecessor refers to one who precedes.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
