What does precedence mean?
Precedence means being ahead of others in priority, importance, rank, or time. It is especially common in expressions such as “take precedence over,” where it identifies the factor that should be given priority when interests or requirements conflict. For example, in a legal or workplace dispute, a safety requirement may take precedence over a commercial convenience. The word can also denote earlier position in a sequence or in historical development, as when a ceremony gives precedence to senior or distinguished participants. Precedence carries an implication of settled priority rather than mere physical position: it identifies what comes first or what should control subsequent decisions. Its Latin ancestry is visible in related English words such as precede, precedent, proceed, and process. Although the plural “precedences” is grammatically regular, the noun is overwhelmingly used in the singular, especially in its familiar sense of priority.
The right, importance, or position of being ahead of or preferred to others.
"In the schedule, the final performance has precedence over the afternoon session."
The sense of priority is now dominant; the sense of earlier position or sequence is less common.
To come or go before; to have priority over.
"The immediate safety of passengers must precedence any considerations of convenience."
This verb is rare and is chiefly found in formal or older usage.
The plural is grammatically regular but uncommon; the word is normally used in the singular, especially for the sense of priority.
"The two rules established different precedences within the organization."
The name comes from Latin praecedere, literally “to go before”—the same idea behind a predecessor and anything that takes priority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does precedence come from?
Precedence comes through Old French from Latin praecedentia, a noun formed from praecedere, meaning “to go before.” The prefix prae- means “before,” while cedere means “to go,” so the original sense was that of going or coming before something. The same Latin verb underlies English words including precede, precedent, proceed, and process.
Related word forms
How precedence is actually used
The phrase “take precedence over” is standard in formal and informal English. When referring to priority in time, sequence, or rank, the noun is more common than the rarer verb.
Easily confused with precedence
Precedence means priority or earlier position, whereas a precedent is an earlier example or decision used as a model for later conduct.
Precedence concerns priority or order, while precession refers to the forward rotation of an axis or the act of moving forward.