preceding paragraph; first part
Refers to the earlier section or paragraph in a text, speech, or argument. Often used in structured writing or formal explanations.
As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, this issue is complex.
Based on the explanation in the first part, we will proceed to the next step.
preliminary step; first stage
Compound of 前 (before, previous) and 段 (step, paragraph). The meaning is transparent from its components.