What does precedent mean?
A precedent is an earlier case, decision, or example that provides a model for later conduct or judgments. In law, the term usually refers to a previous judicial decision that courts may consider when interpreting or applying the law. The expression “set a precedent” means to create an example likely to influence future decisions, while “without precedent” indicates that something has no known earlier equivalent. More broadly, the word can mean any instance that establishes a pattern or provides support for a later action. Its implications are often formal and consequential: a precedent may guide, constrain, or even appear to determine later decisions. The verb “precedent” means to come before something in time or order, and the adjective is rare. The word comes from Latin and preserves the literal idea of going before, reflecting its long history in law, rhetoric, and general English usage.
An earlier case, decision, or instance that serves as a model for later conduct or judgments.
"The ruling created a precedent that courts will consider in similar cases."
Common in legal and formal writing; in a legal context, it usually denotes a previous judicial decision.
To come before something in time, order, or rank.
"The treaty precedented the later agreement between the two governments."
Rare and formal; the more familiar related word is precede.
Occurring before something else; preceding or serving as a prior example.
"The court referred to the precedent decision when interpreting the statute."
Uncommon and mainly literary; many modern uses of the word are noun adjuncts such as “precedent decision.”
The standard plural is used for individual earlier cases, decisions, or examples that serve as models.
"The court treated those decisions as important precedents for the case."
Precedent literally means “going before”: the word began as a description of something that came first and later came to mean the example that guides what comes next.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How precedent is actually used
The noun is especially common in legal and formal contexts, where it usually means a previous judicial decision that guides later rulings. In general usage, it can refer to any earlier example that establishes a pattern. The verb and adjective are much more uncommon and sound formal or literary.
Easily confused with precedent
A precedent is an earlier example or decision used as a model, whereas precedence means priority in order, rank, or importance.
A precedent is a prior example or legal model, while a president is a person holding the highest office in a government or organization.