1.
successive, all previous, throughout history
Refers to all holders of a position or all instances across generations. Used as a modifier before nouns to mean "every successive" or "all previous."
歴代の大統領の名前を覚える。
To memorize the names of all previous presidents.
この記録は歴代最高だ。
This is the all-time best record.
歴代の首相の中で最も在任期間が長かったのは誰ですか。
Who among all the previous prime ministers had the longest term in office?
USAGE:
Almost always used as a modifier before a noun: 歴代の + noun or 歴代 + noun (without の). Refers to all people or things that have held a particular role or position across successive generations.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 歴代最高: all-time best/highest
- 歴代最多: most ever, all-time most
- 歴代の首相: all successive prime ministers
- 歴代の社長: all successive company presidents
- 歴代一位: number one of all time