# precedence

/ˈpɹɛsədəns/ (US) · /pɹˈɛsɪdəns/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/precedence
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the condition of being more important than something else. When one thing has precedence, it happens first or gets more attention than other things.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "take precedence of" but "take precedence over" — The standard preposition used with precedence to show priority is 'over'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verb 'take' and the preposition 'over'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.