Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or establishing a precedent: "Precedential" describes something that serves as or is based on a guiding example or rule for future cases or actions.
   • Having precedence, especially due to seniority or longer service: "Precedential" can also describe a status of priority or greater importance, often granted based on rank or experience.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The judge's ruling was highly precedential, setting a new standard for similar cases. (This describes a decision that creates a rule for the future.)
  • In this organization, precedential status is given to employees with over twenty years of service. (This describes a priority status based on seniority.)

Advanced Usage

• "Precedential value": The degree to which a past decision or example can guide future actions.
  • The legal scholars debated the precedential value of the century-old court case.
• "Precedential authority": The power or influence a past decision holds in determining later outcomes.
  • A Supreme Court decision carries significant precedential authority.

Variants and Related Words

• Precedent (n): An earlier event or decision that serves as an example or rule.
  • The lawyer cited a relevant precedent from 1995.
• Precedence (n): The condition of being considered more important; priority.
  • Safety must take precedence over speed.

Synonyms

• Authoritative: Having the weight of authority, often serving as a definitive example.
• Guiding: Serving to direct or influence future actions.
• Priority: Having the right to precedence or earlier attention.

Related Phrases

• "To set a precedential example": To establish a model that will be followed.
  • Her groundbreaking work set a precedential example for the entire field.
• "Of precedential importance": Having significance as a potential guide for the future.
  • This treaty is of precedential importance for international relations.

Adjective

1. having precedence (especially because of longer service)
   • precedential treatment for senior members of the firm