precedence
precedence Lexical Profile
precedence Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority in importance, order, or rank.
"Passenger safety must always take precedence over maintaining a strict flight schedule."
The ceremonial right of preceding others on formal or state occasions based on rank, office, or social status.
"At the state banquet, guests were seated strictly according to diplomatic precedence."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'precedence' (priority in importance, order, or rank, as in 'take precedence over') with 'precedent' (an earlier event or legal decision that serves as an example or guide, or its plural 'precedents').
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French précédence, from Medieval Latin praecedentia, derived from Latin praecedere ('to go before'), combining prae- ('before') and cedere ('to go').