Pronunciation contrast
precedent vs precedence
Meaning, pronunciation, and examples
A precedent is an earlier example or decision used as a guide. Precedence is the condition of being more important or dealt with first.
American English
Hear the difference
Each term has female and male playback at natural speed. Listen without looking, then compare the recordings with the IPA.
Word 1
precedent
noun
An earlier action, situation, or decision used as a guide or example.
US pronunciation
/ˈpresədənt/
UK IPA
/ˈpresɪdənt/
Hear two natural voices
Word 2
precedence
uncountable noun
The condition of being more important or being dealt with first.
US pronunciation
/ˈpresədəns/
UK IPA
/ˈpresɪdəns/
Hear two natural voices
Sound contrast
Finish with T or S after N
Say the shared PRESS-ih-duhn beginning, then stop the air with T for precedent. For precedence, let air continue through S after N. Keep the final consonant audible without adding another syllable.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use precedent for an earlier action, decision, or case that guides a later one. Use precedence when one matter has priority over another or comes first in an order. Their first syllables and rhythm are nearly identical; precedent ends in /nt/, while precedence ends in /ns/.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
precedent
- The ruling could set an important legal precedent.
- There is no precedent for changing the process this quickly.
- The earlier decision provided a useful precedent.
Examples with
precedence
- Safety must take precedence over speed.
- Urgent cases receive precedence in the scheduling system.
- The rules explain which request has precedence.
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