Precedent

noun (chiefly); also adjective (formal, meaning "preceding")

/ˈprɛsɪdənt/

A decided case that serves as an authoritative example or rule for identical or similar cases arising subsequently in law.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

By upholding the basic structure doctrine, the Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati set a durable precedent that continues to insulate the Constitution's core from transient legislative majorities.

Synonyms

examplemodelexemplarantecedentprior instancebenchmark

Antonyms

noveltyinnovationanomalyaberration

🌱 Word Family

precede (v), preceding (adj), precedented (adj), unprecedented (adj), precedentially (adv)

🔡 Root

Latin praecēdēns = going before (pres. part. of praecēdere); prae- = before; cēdere = to go

📜 Etymology

From Middle English, via Old French from Latin praecēdēns (present participle of praecēdere, "to go before"); first recorded in the 14th century.

🧠 Memory Hook

"Pre-cede" = to go before. A precedent is the case that PRECEDES and shows the way; like a senior who walks "before" you, setting the example you must follow.

🏛️ History & Culture 📖 Seen in: Constitutional Evolution & Landmark Ca...

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