foregoing
UK: fɔːˈɡəʊɪŋ | US: fɔːrˈɡoʊɪŋ
adj. previously mentioned or stated
adj. preceding in time or order
The word "foregoing" combines "fore-" (Old English fore, meaning "before") with "go" (Old English gān, meaning "to move") and the suffix "-ing" (forming present participles or adjectives). It originally described something that "goes before" in a sequence or text, evolving into its modern sense of "previously mentioned." The logic reflects a spatial metaphor (what comes first in writing or time).
The foregoing arguments summarize the key issues.
Please review the foregoing chapters before the exam.
The foregoing examples illustrate the pattern clearly.
All the foregoing points were addressed in the meeting.
The foregoing discussion highlights the need for further research.