Precedence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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precedence
[ˈprɛsɪd(ə)ns ]
Definitions
in law
The condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority in importance, order, or rank.
Synonyms
importance, precedency, preeminence, priority.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| precedence |
Use 'precedence' when discussing the order or importance of events, actions, or priorities, typically in formal contexts.
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| priority |
Use 'priority' when talking about something that is regarded as more important than other things and should be dealt with first, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
|
| importance |
Use 'importance' to refer broadly to the significance or value of something, applicable in both formal and informal contexts.
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| preeminence |
Use 'preeminence' to describe something or someone as being superior or outstanding within a specific field or context, often with a positive connotation.
|
| precedency |
This word is a less common alternative to 'precedence' and is typically used in very formal or academic writing.
|
Examples of usage
- His work took precedence over everything else in his life.
- She argued that the safety of the public should take precedence over profit.
in programming
The order in which operations are carried out when there are more than one operations in an expression.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| precedence |
Used to indicate the importance or urgency of one task or issue over another. Often used in formal contexts.
|
| order |
Refers to the arrangement or sequence of items or actions. Can be used in everyday conversation as well as formal contexts.
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| priority |
Indicates something that is considered more important than others and should be dealt with before others. Commonly used in both formal and informal settings.
|
| sequence |
Refers specifically to a particular order in which related events or things follow each other. Usually used in technical or academic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- In this programming language, multiplication takes precedence over addition.
in general
The condition of being considered more important than something else.
Synonyms
importance, precedency, preeminence, priority.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| precedence |
Refers to the right of being dealt with first due to a higher priority or importance in a hierarchical or sequential setting.
|
| priority |
Indicates something that is regarded or treated as more important than others, requiring immediate attention or action.
|
| importance |
General term for something's value or significance in a given situation. Used broadly across different contexts.
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| preeminence |
Denotes a superior status, being more distinguished or outstanding in a particular field.
|
| precedency |
An alternative form of 'precedence,' typically used in more formal or historical texts.
|
Examples of usage
- Quality takes precedence over quantity in this company.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal settings, precedence refers to the priority of one court decision over another, influencing future cases.
- Common law systems generally follow the doctrine of stare decisis, meaning that earlier decisions should guide current interpretations.
- Precedent can be both binding and persuasive, affecting how laws are interpreted and applied.
Cultural Practices
- In many cultures, social precedence is crucial, often determined by age, status, or profession.
- Certain societies prioritize familial relationships, where elder family members have precedence over younger ones.
- Through ceremonies, such as formal dinners, precedence might dictate seating arrangements, reflecting respect and hierarchy.
Social Dynamics
- Conversations can reflect precedence, where some voices are valued more due to social roles or context.
- In teamwork settings, assigning precedence can help manage tasks by clarifying who should lead on particular issues.
- Precedence influences negotiation tactics, as knowing who has more power can affect the outcome.
Project Management
- In project planning, establishing precedence helps organize tasks, determining which ones must be completed before others.
- Visual aids, like Gantt charts, often depict precedence to facilitate understanding of task dependencies.
- By understanding precedence, teams can enhance efficiency and prevent workflow bottlenecks.
Origin of 'precedence'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'praecedentem', meaning 'going before'.
- It was first used in English around the 14th century.
- The concept originally primarily related to legal and formal contexts.
The word 'precedence' originated from the Middle English word 'precedens', which came from the Old French word 'precedence'. The concept of precedence has been important in various fields such as law, programming, and general prioritization throughout history.
See also: precedency, predecessor.