Understanding ‘Successor’: Boost Your SAT Vocabulary
Learn the meaning, usage, and origin of the word ‘successor’. This video explains its definition as someone who follows or replaces another, provides examples, and highlights common mistakes to avoid. Perfect for SAT prep and expanding your vocabulary.
Imagine you’re next in line to become the CEO of a major company. In this position, you would be the successor to the current CEO.
Today, we’re exploring the word successor, an important term for your SAT vocabulary arsenal.
Word type:
Successor is a noun.
Meaning: A successor is a person or thing that comes after and takes the place of another.
It refers to someone who follows or replaces another in a job, position, or role. In a broader sense, it can also mean something that comes after or follows something else in a sequence or order.
Word history: The word successor has Latin roots. It comes from the Latin word succedere, which means to come after or to follow.
This Latin word is composed of sub, meaning under or after, and cedere, meaning to go or yield. The term entered the English language in the thirteenth century and has been used consistently since then to describe those who follow others in various positions or roles.
Antonyms: Some antonyms for successor include predecessor, forerunner, and precursor. These words refer to someone or something that comes before, rather than after.
Synonyms: Synonyms for successor include heir, replacement, follower, and next in line. These words all convey the idea of someone or something taking over or following after another.
Examples use in sentences: The vice president became the successor to the presidency after the untimely death of the president.
In chess, each move creates a successor position on the board. As the successor to the throne, the prince prepared himself for the responsibilities of being king.
The new smartphone model is the direct successor to last year’s popular release. Common errors in use:
One common error when using the word successor is confusing it with predecessor. Remember, a successor comes after, while a predecessor comes before.
Another mistake is using successor when inheritor or heir would be more appropriate, especially in contexts not related to positions or roles.
Understanding and correctly using words like successor can significantly boost your SAT score and enhance your overall vocabulary.
Remember, a successor follows or replaces another, whether in a job, a sequence, or a position of power.
By mastering such terms, you’re setting yourself up as a worthy successor to top-scoring SAT test-takers of the past.
