precedence

[ pres-i-duhns, pri-seed-ns ]

noun

1. act or fact of preceding. preceding.
2. the right to precede in order, rank, or importance; priority.
3. the fact of preceding preceding in time; antedating.
4. the right to precede others in ceremonies or social formalities.
5. the order to be observed in ceremonies by persons of different ranks, as by diplomatic protocol.

precedence

/ ˈprɛsɪdəns /

noun

1. the act of preceding or the condition of being precedent
2. the ceremonial order or priority to be observed by persons of different stations on formal occasions

   the officers are seated according to precedence

3. a right to preferential treatment

   I take precedence over you

Word History and Origins

Origin of precedence¹

First recorded in 1475–85; preced(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

This will supposedly guarantee that the United States forever remains the pre-eminent global superpower, and that a self-serving conception of the "national interest" will always take precedence over ill-defined or illusory global concerns.

From Salon

But even if he stays home, ethics panel member Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., told The Daily Beast that there's “precedence for the House Ethics Committee releasing reports” even after members leave office.

From Salon

There is, however, plenty of precedence for Russian "mischief" in U.S. elections, particularly in crucial battleground states like Georgia.

From Salon

However, the Trump campaign has provided no details in this regard, and historical precedence shows this is unlikely to happen.

From Salon

On the other hand, said Gisler, under Trump, “the economic and political expediency took precedence over the science a lot of ways.”

From Salon