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

“Heart the Lover” captures the giddiness, passion and vulnerability of new love, along with the deep pull of family and the way practical considerations come to take greater precedence the further one gets from college.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Constitution dictates that federal law takes precedence over state law, leading some legal experts to question whether state officials can actually enforce the legislation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Constitution dictates that federal law takes precedence over state law, leading some legal experts to question whether California could enforce legislation aimed at federal immigration officials.

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Constitution dictates that federal law takes precedence over state law.

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Although he was interested, Sterling's desire to remain close to his family took precedence.

Read more on BBC