precedence

4 definitions • 6 examples

the condition of being dealt with before other things or of being considered more important than other things:

Precedence must be given to the injured in the evacuation plans.

Business people often think that fluency and communication take precedence over grammar when speaking.

the order of importance given to people in particular societies, groups, or organizations:

The order of precedence for titled nobility in Britain is duke, marquis, earl, viscount, baron.

the condition of being dealt with before other things or of being considered more important than other things:

What takes precedence here, environmental cost or consumer convenience?

the fact that something is more important than other things and should be dealt with first:

The cases led to a debate about whether human rights should sometimes take precedence over national security.

give precedence to sth Many companies are currently giving precedence to short-term gains.