precedent Definition
an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.
Using precedent: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "precedent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The judge's ruling set a precedent for future cases.
Example
We need to look at historical precedents to make a decision on this issue.
Example
The company's actions were without precedent and caused a lot of controversy.
precedent Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with precedent
to create an example or guide that will be followed in future similar circumstances
Example
By taking legal action, we hope to establish a precedent for future cases.
Example
The new policy breaks with precedent and may cause some controversy.
to establish an example or guide that may have negative consequences in the future
Example
The government's decision to ignore the court ruling sets a dangerous precedent for future cases.
Origins of precedent
from Latin 'praecedent-', meaning 'going before'
Summary: precedent in Brief
The term 'precedent' [ˈprɛsɪd(ə)nt] refers to an earlier event or action that serves as an example or guide for future similar circumstances. It can be used in legal, historical, or other contexts, such as 'The judge's ruling set a precedent for future cases.' 'Precedent' has phrases like 'establish a precedent,' which means to create an example or guide, and 'break with precedent,' which means to go against established examples.
