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

Ultimately, defending Google’s dominant position in search takes precedence over saving money.

Read more on Barron's

They felt that in court "the views of the children's guardian took precedence".

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The air cargo system generally carries time-sensitive and high-value cargo such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices and tech components whose speed of delivery takes precedence over cost.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A Jewish homeland in backwaters of the Ottoman empire seemed unattainable, and pressing domestic concerns like slavery and temperance took precedence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"No one likes to lose hair, but when it comes down to survival in stressful times, repairing the epidermis takes precedence," says Fuchs.

Read more on Science Daily