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

The combined companies would own multiple stations in many large markets and the states fear cost-cutting will take precedence over journalism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

But Epstein talk has definitely been on the back burner in recent weeks, with the war in Iran especially taking precedence.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Few could say they were surprised by the nine changes after the Portuguese had hinted in his pre-match comments that surviving in the Premier League took precedence.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

If Facebook or Instagram are invaluable tools for a business to attract customers, that should probably take precedence over credit-card point tallies and the need to travel in style, Grossman notes.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

While an organization like the ANC is made up of individuals, it is greater than any of its individual parts, and loyalty to the organization takes precedence over loyalty to an individual.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela