Coming before something else in time or order.
“Fees are based on income reported in the preceding calendar year.”
“Applicants who missed the preceding session may join the next available orientation.”
Sequential diagrams often reference 'the preceding step' or 'the preceding year' to establish order. Recognizing this word helps you correctly identify what came immediately before the point described in a question, which is essential for process and timeline charts.
Synonyms: previous, prior, earlier