precedence

noun

pre·​ce·​dence ˈpre-sə-dən(t)s  pri-ˈsē-dᵊn(t)s 

1

a

: priority of importance

your safety takes precedence

b

: the right to superior honor on a ceremonial or formal occasion

c

: the order of ceremonial or formal preference

2

a

: the fact of coming or occurring earlier in time

b

obsolete : antecedent

Synonyms

• priority
• right-of-way

Examples of precedence in a Sentence

Americans, Adams now believed, were as driven by the passions for wealth and precedence as any people in history. Ambition, avarice, and resentment, not virtue and benevolence, were the stuff of American society. —Gordon S. Wood, Revolutionary Characters, 2006

So, too, did most accept that all economies are characterized by struggles for power and precedence among men and institutions run by men; in other words, that all economies are fundamentally political in nature. —Barry C. Lynn, Harper's, July 2006

Jefferson abolished precedence and placement at White House dinners to emphasize that all guests were equal, but his system—he called it "pell-mell"—was abandoned, and we have guests of honor and use place cards today. —Naomi Bliven, New York Times Book Review, 12 Sept. 1999

his merchandise order takes precedence because we received it first

Recent Examples on the Web

The Future of Higher Education The rapid growth of these giant universities could indeed be a disruption of higher education, where flexibility, affordability, and accessibility take precedence over the traditional campus experience, which fewer students can afford. —Bryan Penprase, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

The economy took precedence over social issues across the state, according to polling from the Public Policy Institute of California. —Kate Rogers, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2024

Although Anne — the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip — was born into the royal family, Camilla as Queen ranks higher in the royal precedence. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024

There’s a bit of commentary here about the arrogance of Americans dictating Middle East policy from afar, but the ins and outs of the mission take precedence. 20. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see precede

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Phrases Containing precedence

• give precedence to
• have/take precedence over

Kids Definition

precedence

noun

pre·​ce·​dence ˈpres-əd-ən(t)s  pri-ˈsēd-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the act or fact of preceding (as in time)

2

: consideration based on order of importance : priority

your safety takes precedence