Precedence Meaning and Definition
Precedence
Pronunciation
/ˈpriːsɛdəns/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The state or status of being more important or influential than others; having a higher priority or ranking.
Examples
- The CEO’s precedence was clear in the company’s decision-making process.
- In the ranking system, the top teams had precedence over the lower-ranked ones.
Synonyms
- Priority
- Preeminence
Antonyms
- Subservience
- Lack of importance
Etymology
From Latin “praecedere”, meaning “to go before”, derived from “prae” (before) and “cedere” (to go).
Usage Notes
Precedence is often used in official or formal contexts, such as in laws, regulations, and organizational hierarchies.
Cultural References
Precedence is a key concept in corporate and government settings, as it often determines how decisions are made and who has the final say.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- In precedence of
- Preceding events
Related Words or Phrases
- Prioritization
- Hierarchy
- Ranking
Collocations
- Have precedence over
- Take precedence
- Establish precedence
Frequency of Use
Precedence is a relatively formal term, but it is commonly used in professional and official contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Precendence
- Precidence