How to pronounce precedence
Say it like PRES-uh-duns. Precedence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce precedence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PRES
- uh
- duns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Precedence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PRESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- dunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of precedence
American and British speakers say precedence in essentially the same way: /ˈprɛsədəns/ in the US and /ˈprɛsədəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: PRES-uh-duns.
What does precedence mean?
- The state of preceding in importance or priority.“Family takes precedence over work, in an emergency.”
- Precedent.
Where does precedence come from?
From Middle French précédence (“the state of preceding, anteriority”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying precedence
How do you pronounce precedence?
Say PRES-uh-duns. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɛsədəns/. In British English it is /ˈprɛsədəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in precedence?
Precedence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRES). Broken into parts: PRES · uh · duns.
Do Americans and Brits say precedence the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈprɛsədəns/ and the British form is /ˈprɛsədəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.