WordValeprecedent
an earlier decision that guides future similar cases
In more detail
1. (noun) an earlier action, decision, or case that is used as an example or rule for a similar situation in the future
2. (noun) a tradition or custom that has been established for a long time
Examples
- 1. The court's decision set a precedent for how similar cases would be decided.
- 2. It's a precedent that the president gives a speech at the start of their term.
How to use precedent
Precedent is used primarily in legal, institutional, and formal contexts to refer to earlier cases or decisions that guide future ones. It can also describe long-established traditions or customs. The term carries weight and suggests that what happened before has authoritative or binding relevance to what happens next.
Common phrases
- set a precedent
- break with precedent
- establish a precedent
- cite a precedent
- without precedent
Synonyms
example · model · pattern · template · standard
Word family
precedent (noun) · unprecedented (adjective) · precedential (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse precedent (a prior case or example) with president (a head of state or organization)—they are homophones in American English but have entirely different meanings.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD