This is the 1881st most frequent Chinese word.
前任
"Ex" or "former partner."
In this sentence, '前任' refers to a previous romantic partner whom the speaker had a relationship with.
我的前任是一个非常温柔的人。
My ex-partner was a very gentle person.
Here, '前任' refers to the earlier holder of the managerial position before the current one.
公司换了新老板，之前的前任经理很敬业。
The company has a new boss now; the previous manager was very dedicated.
In this context, '前任' implies the previous official who held the post, namely, the former mayor.