precedence

American  

[pres-i-duhns, pri-seed-ns] / ˈprɛs ɪ dəns, prɪˈsid 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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of precedence

First recorded in 1475–85; preced(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

In Greek tragedy, the gods have the last word, but here the question becomes whether individuals’ rights should take precedence over a ruler’s edict.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy didn’t work, she said, and doctor appointments, therapy and insurance issues took precedence over home repairs.

From Los Angeles Times

From a retirement perspective — while acknowledging that market returns are not guaranteed — reducing stress, risk and tax complexity should take precedence over marginal financial gains.

From MarketWatch

For the tables below, outright weekly wins take precedence over ties and total points - and always have done, not just because that's the only way Chris would be on top at the moment!

From BBC

I can read about the fact that maybe at a time saxophone was taking precedence over jazz vocals or with each era, there’s a new focus.

From Los Angeles Times