Precedence means “priority of importance,” as in “Their request takes precedence because we received it first.” Precedent means “an earlier occurrence” or “something done or said that may serve as an …

PRECEDENCE definition: act or fact of preceding. preceding. See examples of precedence used in a sentence.

PRECEDENCE definition: 1. the condition of being dealt with before other things or of being considered more important than…. Learn more.

Precedence is concerned with the idea of being first in rank and establishing order in a sequence or hierarchy, while precedents focus on previous examples or cases that provide a benchmark for …

(Government, Politics & Diplomacy) the ceremonial order or priority to be observed by persons of different stations on formal occasions: the officers are seated according to precedence.

Definition of precedence noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Nov 22, 2021 · Precedent and precedence may sound similar, but that doesn't mean they have the same definition. Explore the difference between precedent and precedence, as well as their origins …

Nov 29, 2025 · Noun precedence (countable and uncountable, plural precedences) The state of preceding in importance or priority. Family takes precedence over work, in an emergency.

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.

Jun 12, 2025 · What Does “Precedence” Mean? Precedence is a noun that refers to “the condition or quality of being considered more important than somebody or something else.” In other words, …