Precedent

Pronunciation: /ˈprɛsɪdənt/

Precedent (noun)

  1. An earlier event or action that is used as an example or guide for future situations.
  2. A legal decision that serves as a rule for future cases with similar issues.
  3. A standard way of doing things based on past actions or decisions.

Examples

  • The manager used a precedent to justify the new policy.
  • They looked for a precedent to guide their actions.

Common collocations: set a precedent, follow a precedent, legal precedent, establish a precedent, break precedent

Synonyms of Precedent

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Antonyms of Precedent

  • when discussing something new or unprecedented