Precedent

/ˈprɛsɪdənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.

The court's decision set a legal precedent that influenced future rulings on similar cases.

The fact of having previously occurred or existed.

There is no precedent for the government to intervene in private businesses under such a context.

A person or thing that comes before another in time.

This action has no historical precedent in the company's operations.

adjective

Prior in time, rank, or importance; preceding.

The precedent agreement was deemed more significant than the new proposal.

From Middle English, from Latin 'praecedentem', meaning 'going before'.

legal precedent

A prior case that serves as an authority for deciding a similar case.

set a precedent

To establish a decision that may influence future actions or decisions.

follow precedent

To act according to a previous case or established rule.

precede

To come before something in time.

preceding

Existing or occurring before in time.

Setting the bar

His success set the bar for what we should aim for.

Leading the charge

Her approach is leading the charge for change in our organization.