Basic Details
Word: Precedent
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An action or decision that serves as a guide for future similar situations.
Synonyms: Example, model, standard
Antonyms: Exception, anomaly
Idioms and Phrases
- Set a precedent: To create a situation or decision that will serve as an example or rule for the future. Example: "The new school policy set a precedent for how we handle bullying."
- Follow precedent: To act according to a standard or rule established before. Example: "In making his decision, the judge chose to follow precedent from previous cases."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The court's ruling established a precedent that will influence similar cases in the future.
Example 2: The company's new environmental policy sets a positive precedent for other businesses to follow.
Example 3: Teachers often refer to past decisions as precedent when discussing new rules in the classroom.
Fun Fact
The word "precedent" comes from the Latin word "praecedere," which means "to go before." This reflects its role in guiding future actions based on earlier decisions.
Famous Quote
"The law is an imperfect instrument, but it is the best we have and, after all, the most enduring is the precedent we give to our children." - William Faulkner
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "precedent" mean?
a) A recent event
b) A guide for future situations
c) A type of animal
d) A popular book
Answer: b) A guide for future situations
2. Which of these is a synonym of "precedent"?
a) Exception
b) Model
c) Mistake
d) Failure
Answer: b) Model
3. What is an antonym of "precedent"?
a) Standard
b) Guide
c) Exception
d) Example
Answer: c) Exception
4. Which sentence uses "precedent" correctly?
a) The weather was unusually hot, setting a precedent for our summer plans.
b) The student's artwork followed the precedent of famous painters.
c) She decided to ignore the precedent and do her own thing.
d) The store followed a precedent for sales in the winter.
Answer: d) The store followed a precedent for sales in the winter.
5. Which idiom means to create an example for the future?
a) Cold as ice
b) Set a precedent
c) Follow your heart
d) Kill two birds with one stone
Answer: b) Set a precedent
