precedent
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: precedents · precedenting · precedented
Sense 1
An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
Noun
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.
Adjective
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
To provide precedents for.
Verb
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “precedent” mean?
An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
Is “precedent” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.