antecedent
adjective/ɐ̃tɨsɨˈdẽtɨ/high
an·te·ce·den·te
Definitions
1That which precedes in time or order; that which happens or exists before.
The antecedent chapter is crucial to understanding the plot.
The conditions antecedent to the agreement were complex.
2Fact, circumstance, or previous event that serves as a reference or explanation for something later.
The defendant had no criminal antecedents.
His academic antecedents impressed the committee.
Etymology
Do latim 'antecedens, -entis', particípio presente de 'antecedere'.