Word
precedence
Phoneticsprece·dence
US/ˈpɹɛsədəns/
UK/pɹˈɛsɪdəns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the condition of being more important than something else. When one thing has precedence, it happens first or gets more attention than other things.
n. the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority in importance, order, or rank.
Examples
“Safety always takes precedence over speed.”
“In this emergency situation, medical supplies take precedence over all other cargo on the flight.”
“The legal team argued that constitutional rights must take precedence over local ordinances, regardless of the specific circumstances of the case.”
Examples
simple
“Safety always takes precedence over speed.”
contextual
“In this emergency situation, medical supplies take precedence over all other cargo on the flight.”
complex
“The legal team argued that constitutional rights must take precedence over local ordinances, regardless of the specific circumstances of the case.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “precedence” in context.
Verb
01. take precedence
“Safety should always take precedence over speed when operating heavy machinery.”
verb + noun
Usage
Commonly used with the verb 'take' and the preposition 'over'.
Pitfall
take precedence of
take precedence over
The standard preposition used with precedence to show priority is 'over'.
Real-World Examples
“He says the favouritism has made him believe "the needs of others take precedence over my own", leaving him feeling "isolated" and affecting friendships and romantic relationships.” “But scientific naming follows a rule of priority: when the same species has been given more than one scientific name, the earliest valid name takes precedence.” Etymology
From Middle French précédence (“the state of preceding, anteriority”). Morphologically precede + -ence.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/precedence