precedentnoun
uk/ˈpres.ɪ.dənt/us/ˈpres.ə.dent/C2 [ C ] an action, situation, or decision that has already happened and can be used as a reason why a similar action or decision should be performed or made:
There are several precedents for promoting people who don't have formal qualifications.
Some politicians fear that agreeing to the concession would set a dangerous precedent.
[ U ] the way that something has been done in the past that therefore shows that it is the correct way:
Would it be breaking with precedent for the bride to make a speech?
[ C ] specialized law a decision about a particular legal case that makes it likely that other similar cases will be decided in the same way:
The judgment on pension rights has established/set a precedent.
More examples
- I worry about giving into her demands because it then sets a precedent.
- The court's decision has set a legal precedent.
- This decision set an important legal precedent for other countries.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Samples and examples
- advertisement
- aliquot
- archetype
- benchmark
- classic
- classical
- core
- cross-section
- for instance idiom
- forerunner
- illustration
- instance
- job
- role model
- sample
- showpiece
- sort
- swatch
- taste
- taster
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Ways of achieving things
Court cases, orders & decisions