precedent vs precedence
Definitions
noun
- a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
- (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
- a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)
- an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
adjective
- preceding in time, order, or significance
Examples
There is already a great deal of precedent since polygamy has been widely practiced throughout history.
The financial managers and economic wizards are happy that Pakistan has achieved a level of macro-economic stabilization, which is spectacular and unprecedented.
There is a plethora of admirable precedents to this form of conservatism.
Definitions
noun
- status established in order of importance or urgency
- the act of preceding in time or order or rank (as in a ceremony)
- preceding in time
Examples
There are various classes of Secular Abbots; some have both jurisdiction and the right to use the pontifical insignia; others have only the abbatical dignity without either jurisdiction or the right to pontificalia; while yet another class holds in certain cathedral churches the first dignity and the privilege of precedence in choir and in assemblies, by reason of some suppressed or destroyed conventual church now become the cathedral.
Getting things done properly took precedence over getting them done quickly.
Sometimes the country has to take precedence over a do-nothing imposter and pretender to the throne.
