Grammar Tips & Articles »

precedent, precedence

This Grammar.com article is about precedent, precedence — enjoy your reading!


23 sec read
2,087 Views
  Ed Good  —  Grammar Tips
Font size:

The meaning of the word precedent in law—a judicial decision that sets a rule—is very close to the common usage of the word: an “example” or “custom resulting from long practice.” A lawyer might find several precedents, that is, a number of cases ruling on the same point.

Precedence is generally used as a synonym for “priority” or “rank.”

Example: They set a bad precedent when they chose to give precedence to their friends’ applications first.

Rate this article:

Have a discussion about this article with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add this article to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "precedent, precedence." Grammar.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.grammar.com/precedent-precedence>.

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web!

    Browse Grammar.com

    Free Writing Tool:

    Instant
    Grammar Checker

    Improve your grammar, vocabulary, and writing -- and it's FREE!


    Quiz

    Are you a grammar master?

    »
    Identify the sentence with correct use of the demonstrative pronoun:
    A That is the book I was looking for it.
    B This is belong to her.
    C Those are my favorite shoes.
    D These is the keys to my car.

    Improve your writing now:

    Download Grammar eBooks

    It’s now more important than ever to develop a powerful writing style. After all, most communication takes place in reports, emails, and instant messages.