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Precedent: meaning, definitions and examples

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precedent

 

[ ˈpresɪd(ə)nt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal

A precedent is a legal case that establishes a principle or rule. It serves as a guide for deciding similar cases in the future.

Synonyms

example, guideline, model

Examples of usage

  • The judge referred to a precedent set by a previous court case.
  • This decision could set a dangerous precedent for future cases.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A precedent is an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.

Synonyms

example, guideline, model

Examples of usage

  • The success of the project set a precedent for future collaborations.
  • Her behavior set a bad precedent for the rest of the team.

Translations

Translations of the word "precedent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 precedente

🇮🇳 मिसाल

🇩🇪 Präzedenzfall

🇮🇩 preseden

🇺🇦 прецедент

🇵🇱 precedens

🇯🇵 先例 (せんれい)

🇫🇷 précédent

🇪🇸 precedente

🇹🇷 emsal

🇰🇷 선례 (선례)

🇸🇦 سابقة

🇨🇿 precedens

🇸🇰 precedens

🇨🇳 先例 (xiānlì)

🇸🇮 precedens

🇮🇸 fordæmi

🇰🇿 прецедент

🇬🇪 პრეცედენტი

🇦🇿 presedent

🇲🇽 precedente

Etymology

The word 'precedent' comes from the Latin word 'praecedent-' meaning 'going before'. In the legal context, the concept of precedent dates back to English common law and the development of the doctrine of stare decisis, which means to stand by things decided. Precedents play a crucial role in legal reasoning and decision-making, ensuring consistency and predictability in the application of the law.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,849 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.