successor
suk-SES-er
/səkˈses.ər/
A person or thing that succeeds another.
Implies a formal taking over of a role or position.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'succedere,' meaning to 'go under' or 'come after.' Imagine a line of people where one person moves out and the next person moves 'under' the mantle of that responsibility.
Word relationships
- heir: An heir usually inherits property or a title by birth; a successor takes over a role or office.
- predecessor: The person who held the position before.
Commonly confused with
- descendant: A descendant is a biological offspring; a successor is a professional replacement.
Word family
- succeed (verb): To take over a throne, office, or inheritance.
- succession (noun): The action or process of inheriting a title or office.
Collocations
- rightful successor
- designated successor
- worthy successor
Example sentences
- "The prime minister has not yet named a chosen successor." Political transition.
- "The founder spent years training his daughter to be his successor." Business succession.
Memory hook
Successor: The one who 'succeeds' in taking the job. The one who follows.
When not to use
Don't use it for someone who just follows you in a line; use it for roles of authority.
Fun facts
- The 'Succession Act' determines who becomes President of the US if the current one cannot serve.
Related words
Explore more words
successive, precede, supersede, understudy, descendant, dynasty
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