precedence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “precedence” mean?
The condition of being considered more important than something else.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The condition of being considered more important than something else; priority in order, rank, or importance.
The order in which people, events, or concepts are formally placed or ranked in terms of ceremonial protocol, logical sequence, or practical significance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both prefer 'take precedence over'.
Connotations
Formal, authoritative, hierarchical. Strongly associated with rules, protocol, and established order.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in administrative and legal texts, but common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “precedence” in a Sentence
X takes/has precedence over YPrecedence is given to XThe order of precedence for X, Y, and ZVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “precedence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The older rule does not necessarily precede the new one in application.
American English
- A short introduction will precede the main lecture.
adverb
British English
- Previously established guidelines were followed.
American English
- As previously mentioned, the deadline is firm.
adjective
British English
- The preceding chapter covered the basics.
American English
- Please review the preceding examples carefully.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In project management, critical bug fixes take precedence over new feature development.
Academic
In this ethical framework, the principle of non-maleficence takes precedence over beneficence.
Everyday
On a busy weekend, family time takes precedence over cleaning the garage.
Technical
In network routing, packets with a higher QoS flag are given precedence.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “precedence”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “precedence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “precedence”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a precedence').
- Confusing spelling/meaning with 'precedent'.
- Using 'precedence than' instead of 'precedence over'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Precedence' refers to priority in order or importance. 'Precedent' is an earlier event or decision that serves as an example or rule for future similar cases.
No, 'precedence' is an uncountable (non-count) noun. You cannot say 'a precedence' or 'precedences'.
The standard preposition is 'over', as in 'takes precedence over'. Sometimes 'to' is used with 'give precedence to'.
It is primarily a formal word. In everyday speech, people often use 'priority' or phrases like 'comes first' instead.
The condition of being considered more important than something else.
Precedence: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɛsɪd(ə)ns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɛsədəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Set a precedent (note: 'precedent' is a different, though related, word)”
- “Take a back seat (antonymic idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRECEDing car in a motorcade – it comes first, has PRIORITY. PRECEDence = what comes FIRST in importance.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS BEING IN FRONT / HIERARCHY IS A LADDER. Something with precedence is 'ahead' or 'above'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'precedence' correctly?