precedent
word
Definition
A precedent is an earlier event, action, or decision that is used as an example or guide for future situations, often in law or official decisions.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in legal and official contexts: 'set a precedent', 'follow precedent', 'without precedent.' Refers mainly to concrete prior examples, especially decisions. Can be countable or uncountable. Sometimes confused with 'precedence' (priority), which is different.
Example Sentences
This court decision set an important precedent.
basic
We must not ignore past precedent when making new rules.
basic
This situation has no precedent in our company's history.
basic
If we approve this request, it might set a difficult precedent for others.
natural
There is no precedent for this kind of event, so we need to be careful.
natural
She argued that following the old precedent was not suitable for today's challenges.
natural