precedent

¹pre·ce·dent

adj \pri-ˈsē-d^ənt, ˈpre-sə-dənt\

Definition of PRECEDENT

: prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance

Examples of PRECEDENT

1. <behavior that may be explained by a precedent event in her troubled life>

Origin of PRECEDENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praecedent-, praecedens, present participle of praecedere (see precede)

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PRECEDENT

Synonyms: antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, previous, preceding, prior

Antonyms: after, ensuing, following, later, posterior, subsequent, succeeding

Related Words: advance, early, premature; earliest, first, inaugural, initial, maiden, original, pioneer; preexisting; introductory, preliminary; erstwhile, whilom

Near Antonyms: advanced, late; closing, concluding, final, last, latest, latter, terminal, ultimate

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Rhymes with PRECEDENT

decedent, succedent