C1noun formal 5K

Precedent

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈpresɪdənt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈpresɪdənt/"]/

Meaning of Precedent

an official action or decision that has happened in the past and that is seen as an example or a rule to be followed in a similar situation later

In simple words: An example from the past that helps decide future actions.

Precedent in a sentence

• The court's decision set a precedent for how similar cases should be handled.
• In law, a precedent is an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.
• There is no precedent for dealing with a situation like this in our company.
• Setting a precedent can influence the behavior of others in future cases.
• This unprecedented decision breaks with all precedent in environmental law.

How to use Precedent

Used mainly in legal or formal contexts. It helps justify decisions based on previous cases. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

precedent + object

Memory hint

Think of 'precedent' as 'pre-set' rules for the future.

Related words

Collocations with Precedent

• bad
• dangerous
• terrible
• serve as
• have
• create
• without precedent
• precedent for
• bad
• dangerous
• terrible
• serve as
• have
• create
• without precedent
• precedent for
• bad
• dangerous
• terrible
• serve as
• have
• create
• without precedent
• precedent for

Synonyms for Precedent

• tradition

Opposites of Precedent

• following
• subsequent
• outlier

Common mistakes with Precedent

• Used incorrectly as a verb instead of a noun.
• Confused with 'president' due to similar spelling.
• Overused in informal speech where simpler terms would fit.

Frequently asked questions about Precedent

What does Precedent mean?

An example from the past that helps decide future actions.

What is the definition of Precedent?

an official action or decision that has happened in the past and that is seen as an example or a rule to be followed in a similar situation later

How do you use Precedent in a sentence?

The court's decision set a precedent for how similar cases should be handled.

Can you give another example of Precedent?

In law, a precedent is an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.

What are synonyms for Precedent?

Common alternatives include tradition.

What is the opposite of Precedent?

Opposite meanings include following, subsequent, outlier.

What words go with Precedent?

It commonly pairs with bad, dangerous, terrible, serve as, have, create, without precedent, precedent for, bad, dangerous, terrible, serve as, have, create, without precedent, precedent for, bad, dangerous, terrible, serve as, have, create, without precedent, precedent for.

What are common mistakes when using Precedent?

Used incorrectly as a verb instead of a noun. Confused with 'president' due to similar spelling. Overused in informal speech where simpler terms would fit.

How do you pronounce Precedent?

US: /["/ˈpresɪdənt/"]/, UK: /["/ˈpresɪdənt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Precedent formal or informal?

"Precedent" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Precedent?

Used mainly in legal or formal contexts. It helps justify decisions based on previous cases. Avoid in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Precedent?

"Precedent" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.