precedent

noun

An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.

(law) A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.

An established habit or custom.

The previous version.

(obsolete) A rough draught of a writing which precedes a finished copy.

(obsolete, with definite article) The aforementioned (thing).

verb

(transitive, law) To provide precedents for.

(transitive, law) To be a precedent for.

adjective

Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.

(now rare) Coming before in a particular order or arrangement; preceding, foregoing.

Roots

praepre- · Latin · before, in front cedo-ced · Latin · go, yield

Synonyms for precedent

antecedentn examplen exemplarn foregoingadj rulen

Synonyms & related words for precedent

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Words related to precedent

Explore words related to precedent — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include precedential, precedences, precedency, jurisprudence, jurisprudential, mandamus, statute, exemplificative. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for precedent

Common synonyms for precedent include antecedent, example, exemplar, foregoing, rule — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does precedent come from?

The word precedent breaks down into 2 roots of Latin origin: pre-, from Latin prae (“before, in front”); and -ced, from Latin cedo (“go, yield”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.