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

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

Pictures, they complained, took precedence over analysis - and this "bias against understanding" could only be addressed by bringing in experts and putting them in front of camera.

From BBC

The new first minister has already made clear tackling long waiting lists in the NHS would take precedence over fixing long-term problems in the health service.

From BBC