Precedent
/ˈprɛsɪdənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA previous case or action that serves as a guide or justification for subsequent situations.
/ˈprɛsɪdənt/
An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be followed in subsequent similar circumstances.
The court's decision set a precedent for future cases.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see your friend get a good grade on a test by studying really hard. That's a precedent! Now, you know studying is a good idea too. It sets a pattern.
👶 For kids: It's like when something happens first and then it makes it okay for others to do the same thing later.
More Examples
This case establishes a significant legal precedent.
There is no precedent for such a radical policy change.
The company's actions created a precedent for employee benefits.
How It's Used
"The judge cited a previous precedent to support his ruling."
"The company established a precedent for flexible work hours."
"Breaking the silence set a precedent for others to share their experiences."
Existing or coming before in time, order, or importance.
/prɪˈsiːdənt/
Coming before in time, order, or importance.
The precedent events led to the outbreak of war.
💡 Simply: Imagine a list. Precedent things are at the start, showing what comes before.
👶 For kids: Something that happened first in a line of things.
More Examples
In the precedent chapters, the author established the main characters.
We must consider the precedent factors before making a decision.
He was appointed to the board due to his precedent experience in finance.
How It's Used
"The precedent issue of the magazine focused on climate change."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
set a precedent
To establish a practice that will be followed in the future.
"The court's ruling set a precedent that could influence future cases."
without precedent
Having no previous example.
"The discovery of a new species was an event without precedent."
From Latin *praecedens*, present participle of *praecēdere* ('to go before'). It entered English in the 14th century.
Used in legal and philosophical texts since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of a PRE-cedent. It came BEFORE.
Word Origin
"going before; previous"