precedent

/ˈprɛsɪdənt/
adjective
  1. Coming before in time, order, or importance; earlier.
    • The precedent chapter introduced the main characters.
    • The precedent agreement was signed five years ago.
    • Her precedent experience in sales helped her get the job.
noun
  1. An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in similar circumstances.
    • The company's policy of remote work created a precedent for other businesses.
    • The judge cited a legal precedent from the 1800s to support her ruling.
    • Setting a precedent for future meetings, the team decided to start on time.
  2. A previous instance or case that serves as a standard for later ones.
    • There is no precedent for a storm of this magnitude in the region.
    • The artist's early work was a precedent for the modern style she later developed.
    • The school's dress code was based on a precedent set by the district.
Synonyms
What does "precedent" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean