precedent
UK: ˈprɛsɪdənt | US: ˈprɛsɪdənt
n. an earlier event or action regarded as an example or guide for similar circumstances
n. (Law) a legal decision serving as an authoritative rule for future cases
precedent = pre<before> + ced<go> + ent<noun suffix>
- pre (from Latin prae-, meaning "before")
- ced (from Latin cedere, meaning "to go, yield")
- ent (Latin noun suffix indicating agency or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word "precedent" originates from Latin praecedens (present participle of praecedere, "to go before"). It combines prae- (before) and cedere (to go), reflecting the idea of something that "goes before" and sets a standard for what follows. This logic persists in both general usage (historical examples) and legal contexts (authoritative rulings).
The court's decision set a precedent for future cases involving free speech.
There is no precedent for such a drastic policy change in the company's history.
She argued that the case lacked precedent and required innovative judgment.
Following historical precedent, the ceremony began at dawn.
Breaking with precedent, the mayor resigned mid-term.