precedence

Definition

The state of preceding in importance or priority.

Etymology

From Middle French précédence (“the state of preceding, anteriority”). Morphologically precede + -ence.

Example Sentences

• "Family takes precedence over work, in an emergency."
• "[…] where there is then no good / For which to strive, no strife can grow up there / From faction; for none sure will claim in hell / Precedence, none, whose portion is so small / Of present pain, that with ambitious mind / Will covet more."
• "I wrote to […] Mr. Payne, who was wholly unconscious that we were engaged on the same work, and freely offered him precedence and possession of the field till no longer wanted."