Meaning
Precedence (noun) refers to the condition of being considered more important than something else, or the right to come before others in importance, rank, or time.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Noun
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Uncountable (usually used without “a” or plural form).
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Common patterns:
- “take precedence over sth/sb” = to be more important than something/someone.
- “give precedence to sth/sb” = to treat something as more important.
Common Phrases
- Take precedence over: to have higher importance.
- Give precedence to: to prioritize.
- Establish precedence: to set an example of priority.
Collocations
- High precedence
- Legal precedence
- Precedence over safety
- Precedence in decision-making
- Precedence in law
Examples
- Safety should always take precedence over speed.
- In this company, customer satisfaction takes precedence over profit.
- The judge gave precedence to previous rulings when deciding the case.
- Family obligations took precedence over his work commitments.
- In times of crisis, essential services take precedence over less urgent needs.
- The discussion gave precedence to the most urgent matters first.
- Academic results often take precedence in university admissions.
- Tradition sometimes takes precedence over practicality.
Synonyms or Related
- Priority
- Importance
- Supremacy
- Predominance
Antonym
- Inferiority
- Subordination
- Neglect