precedence (C1)

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈprɛsɪdəns/

Definition

The condition of being considered more important than someone or something else, and therefore being dealt with first.

Examples

• Safety must take precedence over speed in this industrial environment.

• The new regulations will take precedence over any previous company policies.

• Environmental concerns are finally being given precedence in urban planning discussions.

How to Use precedence

take precedence over (collocation)

to be more important than something else — "Family obligations often take precedence over work commitments."

give precedence to (collocation)

to treat something as more important — "The committee decided to give precedence to the budget proposal."

Synonyms of precedence

Words with a similar meaning to precedence:

• priority
• preference
• primacy
• superiority

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