What is the meaning of "antecedent"?

The term "antecedent" refers to something that occurs before or serves as a precursor to a subsequent event. In various contexts, such as grammar and logic, an antecedent can be the first part of a conditional statement, often indicating a cause or an event that precedes an effect. By understanding this definition, it becomes clear that the third option correctly captures the essence of the word, focusing on its relationship to previous occurrences or causes.

In comparison, the other options suggest notions of events that follow or conclude, which do not align with the definition of "antecedent." The contrast with the concept of succession or parallelism helps to reinforce the unique meaning of "antecedent" as something integral to understanding sequences and causal relationships in various fields.