precedente
Lemma Details
Translation: preceding; previous; prior; antecedent; precedent
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'praecedens, praecedentis', present participle of 'praecedere' meaning 'to go before', formed from 'prae' (before) + 'cedere' (to go, yield). The English cognate 'precedent' shares the same Latin root, though in English it's often used in legal contexts to refer to a previous case or decision that serves as a guide for subsequent cases. The Spanish 'precedente' maintains both the temporal sense of 'coming before' and the conceptual sense of 'establishing a pattern to follow'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No hay precedente para este tipo de decisión.
There is no precedent for this type of decision.
En el capítulo precedente, explicamos los conceptos básicos.
In the preceding chapter, we explained the basic concepts.
Este caso sentará un precedente importante.
This case will set an important precedent.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pre' (before) + 'cedente' (similar to 'ceding' or giving way) - something that comes before and gives way to what follows.
- Remember the English word 'precede' (to come before) - a precedente is something that precedes.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish legal and formal contexts, 'precedente' is commonly used similar to English, referring to previous cases or decisions that establish principles. In everyday speech, it's used more broadly to refer to anything that came before or set an example.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Precedente' means 'preceding' or 'previous', while 'procedente' means 'coming from' or 'originating from'.
Confused word:
El vuelo procedente de Madrid llegará en una hora.
The flight coming from Madrid will arrive in an hour.
Notes: Both words derive from Latin but with different prefixes that change their meaning significantly.
Mnemonic: 'Precedente' has 'pre' (before) while 'procedente' has 'pro' (forward/from).
Explanation: 'Precedente' refers to something that comes before or sets an example, while 'presidente' means 'president' or leader of an organization or country.
This word:
No existe precedente para esta situación legal.
There is no precedent for this legal situation.
Notes: Though they look similar, they come from different Latin roots and have completely different meanings and uses.
Mnemonic: 'Presidente' contains 'side' (as in preside), while 'precedente' contains 'cede' (as in precede).