preceded
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //pɹiˈsidɪd// UK //pɹɪsˈiːdɪd// pre·ced·ed
v. to happen, go, or exist before something else in time or order. If one thing preceded another, it came first.
v. to happen or exist before something else in time, or to come before something else in order or rank. Transitive — requires a direct object to indicate what followed.
A short speech preceded the main dinner.
The heavy rain was preceded by a sudden drop in temperature and dark clouds.
The formal declaration of war was preceded by months of diplomatic tension and failed negotiations between the two neighboring nations.
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used in the passive voice ('was preceded by').