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Added 9 October 2026

precedent

/ˈpɹɛs.ɪ.dənt/ noun

Latin root: praecēdēns Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about precedent at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
An established habit or custom.

adjective

Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
Coming before in a particular order or arrangement; preceding, foregoing.

verb

To provide precedents for.
To be a precedent for.

Origin

From Middle French, from Old French, from Latin praecēdēns, present participle of praecēdere (“to precede”); See precede.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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