noun
Common
precedent
PREHS-ih-duhnt
Precedent (noun) means an earlier case, decision, or action used as a guide or justification for a similar one later. Example: “The ruling set a legal precedent that other courts would later follow.”
noun
1
An earlier case, decision, or action used as a guide or justification for a similar one later.
"The ruling set a legal precedent that other courts would later follow."
"Allowing one exception could set a bad precedent for the whole team."
"There is no precedent for this kind of request in our office."
adj
1
Coming before in time or order.
"The precedent events help explain what happened next."
"The precedent chapter explains the events described in this one."
"Check the precedent conditions before you begin the experiment."
How to use precedent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn earlier example or decision that gets used as a rule or model for future situations, especially in law.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "precedence" (priority/importance) — "precedent" is a past example used to guide future decisions.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
set a precedent
legal precedent
without precedent
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Word forms
- Plural
- precedents
- Third person singular
- precedents
- Past tense
- precedented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The ruling set a legal _____ that other courts would later follow.
Etymology
From Latin "praecedens," the present participle of "praecedere" ("to precede") — see "precede."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for precedent
See all rhymes for precedent →Frequently asked questions
What does “precedent” mean?
The word “precedent” means an earlier case, decision, or action used as a guide or justification for a similar one later. In plain terms, an earlier example or decision that gets used as a rule or model for future situations, especially in law.
How do you pronounce “precedent”?
“Precedent” is pronounced PREHS-ih-duhnt (/ˈpɹɛs.ɪ.dənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “precedent” in a sentence?
Here is “precedent” used in a sentence: “The ruling set a legal precedent that other courts would later follow.”
What part of speech is “precedent”?
Depending on how it is used, “precedent” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “precedent” come from?
The word “precedent” comes from Latin. From Latin "praecedens," the present participle of "praecedere" ("to precede") — see "precede.".
Is “precedent” a common word?
“Precedent” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “precedent” have?
“Precedent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an earlier case, decision, or action used as a guide or justification for a similar one later.
What is the difference between precedent and example?
A precedent specifically refers to an earlier case, decision, or action used as a guide or justification for a similar one later, often in legal or formal contexts, while an example is a broader term for any instance illustrating a point, without necessarily setting a standard for future action. Precedent carries a sense of authority or obligation that example does not.
What does it mean to set a precedent?
To set a precedent means to make a decision or take an action that becomes a guide or justification for similar situations in the future. This phrase is common in legal, workplace, and policy discussions.
What is the difference between precedent as a noun and as an adjective?
As a noun, precedent means an earlier case or decision used to guide later ones, as in 'legal precedent.' As an adjective, precedent means coming before in time or order, as in 'the precedent events,' though this adjective use is far less common than the noun.
