1
Core meaning
An earlier case, action, or decision used as an example or authority for later similar cases.
Example
The ruling established a precedent for later disputes.
precedent
/ˈpresɪdənt/ · PRESS-ih-duntnoun
An earlier case, action, or decision used as an example or authority for later similar cases.
Use precedent to express this relationship precisely: an earlier case, action, or decision used as an example or authority for later similar cases.
What precedent Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
Officials feared the exception would set a costly precedent.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
No exact precedent existed for the unusual case.
Use precedent Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The ruling established a precedent for later disputes.
Officials feared the exception would set a costly precedent.
No exact precedent existed for the unusual case.
Precision Matters
Precedent overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
precedent
vs.Means an earlier case, action, or decision used as an example or authority for later similar cases.
anecdote
Means a brief account of a real or purported incident, often interesting or amusing but not necessarily representative evidence.
precedent
vs.Means an earlier case, action, or decision used as an example or authority for later similar cases.
presupposition
Means an assumption taken for granted in advance and treated as a basis for reasoning or discussion.
precedent
vs.Means an earlier case, action, or decision used as an example or authority for later similar cases.
phenomenon
Means an observable event, fact, or occurrence, especially one studied or considered remarkable.
precedent
vs.Means an earlier case, action, or decision used as an example or authority for later similar cases.
invoke
Means call on a law, authority, principle, person, or power for support, justification, or action.
Test precedent in Context
An earlier decision guides a later comparable case.
1
The earlier court ruling served as a ___ when judges considered the similar dispute.