The difference between precedence and precedents (grammar lesson)


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Precedence pertains to ranking. A precedent is a previous example used to guide a decision.

Precedence

The noun precedence pertains to 'ranking' or 'status in order of importance or urgency'.

Examples:

The medics treated them in order of precedence according to their injuries.

The rules that govern the precedence of members of the Royal Family are complex.

Precedent

The noun precedent means 'an example from the past that provides evidence for an argument'. It is most commonly used in legal circles and, more specifically, can be described as 'a previously decided case that guides the decision of a future case'.

Examples:

Having discovered a similar case in the past, the prosecution team used this precedent to support their argument.

There is precedent with last year's Smith versus Jones case.

See also:

What are nouns?
List of easily confused words