Take precedence Meaning and Definition
Take Precedence
Pronunciation
/teɪk prɪˈsɛdəns/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To be more important or urgent than something else, and therefore to be dealt with or attended to first.
Examples
- The emergency situation will take precedence over all other tasks.
- We need to prioritize the project, and the deadline will take precedence over other considerations.
Synonyms
- Take priority
- Have precedence
- Supersede
Antonyms
- Be secondary
- Be subordinate
- Be auxiliary
Additional Information
The idea of taking precedence is often used in decision-making and prioritization. It is essential to determine what tasks or factors should take precedence in various situations. In business, taking precedence can help allocate resources effectively. In personal life, it can help individuals manage their time and energy more efficiently.
In everyday conversations, taking precedence can be used to express the importance of one thing over another. For instance, “My family will take precedence over my career” or “The project deadline will take precedence over other commitments.”
Etymology
The phrase “take precedence” originated in the 15th century from the Latin words “praecedere,” meaning “to go before,” and “prendre,” meaning “to take.” Over time, the phrase evolved to convey the idea of something being more important or urgent.
Usage Notes
When using “take precedence,” it is essential to consider the context and ensure that the phrase is used correctly. In formal writing or speaking, it is often used to convey priority or importance. In informal settings, it can be used in a more conversational tone to express personal preferences or priorities.
Cultural References
The concept of taking precedence has been referenced in various forms of media, such as in the phrase “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few” from the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. This phrase illustrates the idea of prioritizing the greater good over individual interests.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Take priority
- Have precedence
- Supersede
Related Words or Phrases
- Priority
- Prioritize
- Urgent
Collocations
- take precedence over
- give precedence to
- have precedence in
Frequency of Use
The phrase “take precedence” is commonly used in formal and informal settings, particularly in business, academia, and everyday conversations. It is estimated to be used around 0.01% of the time in written and spoken language.
Common Misspellings
- Take presedence
- Take preceedence
- Take presidence