World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesPrecedent
/ˈprɛs.ɪ.dənt/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.
"The court's ruling established a vital precedent for future environmental protection cases." - 2
In law, a legal case establishing a principle or rule that a court or other judicial body may utilize when deciding subsequent cases with similar issues.
"There is no direct legal precedent for this specific type of digital copyright infringement."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Latin praecedent-, the present participle of praecedere, meaning 'to go before' (from prae- 'before' + cedere 'to go'). Entering Middle English via Old French in the 15th century, it initially retained its literal sense of going before, but rapidly evolved into a legal and formal term denoting an authoritative previous instance or case used to guide subsequent actions.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Precedent"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Precedent" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
précédent
Transliteration: /pʁe.se.dɑ̃/
"Cette décision crée un dangereux précédent juridique."
Präzedenzfall
Transliteration: /pʁɛt͡səˈdɛnt͡sˌfal/
"Dieses Urteil schafft einen neuen Präzedenzfall."
precedente
Transliteration: /pre.tʃeˈdɛn.te/
"Il giudice ha stabilito un importante precedente."
precedente
Transliteration: /pɾe.seˈðen.te/
"No hay ningún precedente histórico para esta situación."
precedente
Transliteration: /pɾe.seˈdẽ.tʃi/
"O tribunal abriu um precedente perigoso."
मिसाल
Transliteration: misāl
"इस फैसले ने एक नया मिसाल कायम किया है।"
先例
Transliteration: xiānlì
"这个判决为未来的案件树立了重要的先例。"
선례
Transliteration: seonrye
"이번 판결은 중요한 선례가 될 것입니다."
前例
Transliteration: zenrei
"裁判所は新しい前例を作りました。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA professional entertainer, such as a singer, dancer, or actor, especially one of high skill.
An operational unit in an air force consisting of two or more flights, or an armored cavalry unit.
Annoyed, bored, or disappointed after experiencing something unpleasant for too long.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Precedent"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.