What does the term "precede" mean?

The term "precede" means to come before something in time, order, or importance. In various contexts, it signifies that one event or action happens prior to another. For instance, if you say that a speech precedes a dinner, it indicates that the speech occurs first, before the dinner takes place. This concept is essential for understanding sequences and timelines in both written and spoken communication. The other options provide meanings that are contrary or unrelated to the definition of "precede," which specifically emphasizes the notion of timing and order.