precedence

[pres-i-duh ns, pri-seed-ns] /ˈprɛs ɪ dəns, prɪˈsid ns/
noun
1.
act or fact of preceding.
2.
the right to precede in order, rank, or importance; priority.
3.
the fact of preceding in time; antedating.
4.
the right to precede others in ceremonies or social formalities.
5.
the order to be observed in ceremonies by persons of different ranks, as by diplomatic protocol.
Origin
1475-85; preced(ent) + -ence
Can be confused
precedence, precedents, presidents.
Examples from the web for precedence
  • Apply the contract-type order of precedence carefully.
  • If you don't have a designation on file, then the funds will be distributed according to the order of precedence.
  • However, if you are happy with the order of precedence, you don't have to do anything.
  • precedence shall be the order of date of acceptance, except when two or more decorations from the same agency are worn.
  • For Keynes, surprisingly, philosophy took precedence over economics.
  • They worry that some rights will take precedence over others.
  • Current experience takes precedence over history.
  • By implication then, basic human rights must take precedence.
  • The realizable ideal takes precedence over the one always out of reach.
  • Priority would be given to cargo flights taking precedence over passenger and charter flights.
British Dictionary definitions for precedence

precedence

/ˈprɛsɪdəns/
noun
1.
the act of preceding or the condition of being precedent
2.
the ceremonial order or priority to be observed by persons of different stations on formal occasions: the officers are seated according to precedence
3.
a right to preferential treatment: I take precedence over you
Word Origin and History for precedence
n.

late 15c., "a being a precedent," from precedent (n.) + -ence. Meaning "fact of preceding another, right of preceding another" is from c.1600.

precedence in Technology

operator precedence