precedence

American  

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

noun

1. act or fact of preceding.

2. the right to precede in order, rank, or importance; priority.

3. the fact of 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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of precedence

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

Explanation

Notice the verb "precede" in the noun precedence, and you'll be able to remember that precedence is the act of preceding, of coming before — either in time or in rank. When you're stranded without food or water, the search for water should definitely take precedence over the search for food, since you'll die of dehydration long before you starve. When deciding where to seat people, restaurant owners give precedence to the famous and rich: making them happy will be good for business. Which things take precedence over others depends on what you think is more important. "Age before beauty," I always say.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

precedence

That connection appears to restrict how freely the plants can adapt, with selection for larger flowers taking precedence over the potential benefit of earlier flowering.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 4, 2026

If you die intestate — without a will — the state’s laws will take precedence.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026

Pradhan said the scale of devastation meant reconstruction could take precedence over promises to transform the economy and accelerate development.

From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026

He says the favouritism has made him believe "the needs of others take precedence over my own", leaving him feeling "isolated" and affecting friendships and romantic relationships.

From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026

For me, marriage was more like a full-on merger, a reconfiguring of two lives into one, with the well-being of a family taking precedence over any one agenda or goal.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama