early 15c., "case which may be taken as a rule in similar cases," from Middle French precedent, noun use of an adjective, from Latin praecedentum (nominative praecedens), present participle of praecedere "go before" (see precede). Meaning "thing or person that goes before another" is attested from mid-15c. As an adjective in English from c. 1400. As a verb meaning "to furnish with a precedent" from 1610s, now only in past participle precedented.
实用例句
1. They're keenly aware that whatever they decide will set a precedent.
他们深知无论他们的决定是什么，都将开创先例。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Would it not set a precedent? Would it not open the floodgates?
难道它不会成为先例吗？难道它不会引发更多类似的问题吗？
来自柯林斯例句
3. They were determined to break from precedent.
他们决心打破先例。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The ruling set a precedent for future libel cases.
这项裁决为今后的诽谤案提供了判例。
来自《权威词典》
5. Is there a precedent for what you want me to do?