precedence etymology

Etymology

• Latin: praecedere ("go before, surpass")
• Prefix: prae ("before")
• Root: cedere ("go, yield")

Meaning

The rank or order of importance, priority, or attention given to something or someone.

Origin

The word "precedence" first appeared in the English language around the 14th century. It is derived from the Latin praecedere, which literally means "to go before" or "to surpass." The prefix prae indicates that something is being done before or ahead of something else, while the root cedere refers to the act of yielding or giving way.

In its original sense, "precedence" referred to the order in which people or things should be treated. This order was typically determined by social status, rank, or authority. For example, in medieval Europe, nobles had precedence over commoners, and the king had precedence over all other nobles.

Over time, the meaning of "precedence" has broadened. It now refers to the order or priority of anything, including events, ideas, or tasks. In modern usage, "precedence" often implies that something is more important or urgent than something else.

Examples

• "The bishop has precedence over the priests in the procession."
• "The safety of the passengers has precedence over the schedule."
• "The meeting with the CEO has precedence over all other appointments."

precedence relate terms

• precedent

  Etymology The word precedent comes from the Old French precedent which in turn come

• precede

  Etymology Latin prae meaning before Latin cēdere meaning to go Meaning T

• precedented

  Etymology The word unprecedented is derived from the following Latin roots un pref

• priority

  Etymology The word priority comes from the Latin word prioritas which means the st

• precession

  Etymology and Meaning Precession comes from the Latin verb praecedere meaning to go be

• priority

  Etymology The word priority comes from the Latin word prioritas which means the st

• pre eminence

  Etymology Pre prefix Before or superior to Eminent adjective Prominent distinguish

• prius

  Etymology The word Prius is derived from the Latin word prior meaning earlier or

• concede

  Etymology Old French conceder Latin concedere from con with together cedere

• activity

  Etymology The word activity derives from the Latin word agere meaning to do drive

• rack

  Etymology Middle English rake from Old English racu meaning heap pile ridge Prot

• apparition

  Etymology The word apparition derives from the Latin appārēre meaning to appear