Precedent Meaning and Definition
Precedent
Pronunciation
/ˈprɛsɪdənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A decision or ruling that sets a legal or policy precedent, influencing future actions or decisions.
Examples
- The Supreme Court ruling set a precedent for future judicial decisions.
- The company’s decision to diversify its product line was a precedent for the industry.
Synonyms
- L precedent
- Model
- Standard
Antonyms
- Reverse
- Setback
Etymology
The word “precedent” comes from the Latin “praecedens,” meaning “going before.” It has been in use in English since the 15th century.
Additional Information
Precedents can be established in various contexts, including law, business, and social issues. They can be a useful reference point for making decisions, as they provide a basis for evaluating future actions. However, precedents can also be limiting, as they may dictate specific outcomes or paths forward.
Usage Notes
Precedent is often used in formal or professional settings, such as in legal documents or business reports. It is also used in academic and intellectual discourses, where it is considered a key concept in understanding the development of laws, policies, and ideas.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the concept of precedent is often explored in films, literature, and television shows that deal with themes of power, authority, and social change. For example, the movie “The Social Network” explores the precedent-setting nature of Facebook’s founding.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Break the mold or precedent
- Follow in someone’s precedent
- Set a new precedent
Related Words or Phrases
- Case law
- Model
- Standard
- Example
Collocations
- Precedent-setting decision
- Establish a precedent
- Follow a precedent
Frequency of Use
Precedent is a relatively common word in formal and professional contexts, particularly in law, business, and academia. It has a moderate level of usage, with an estimated frequency of 1-5 per million words.
Common Misspellings
- Predident
- Precident
- Precedent