How to pronounce precedent
Say it like PRES-ih-dunt. Precedent 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 precedent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PRES
- ih
- dunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Precedent 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.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- duntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of precedent
American and British speakers say precedent in essentially the same way: /ˈprɛsɪdənt/ in the US and /ˈprɛsɪdənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: PRES-ih-dunt.
What does precedent mean?
- an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
- (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
- a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws“common law originated in the unwritten laws of England and was later applied in the United States”
- preceding in time, order, or significance
Where does precedent come from?
From Middle French, from Old French, from Latin praecēdēns, present participle of praecēdere (“to precede”); See precede.
Questions about saying precedent
How do you pronounce precedent?
Say PRES-ih-dunt. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɛsɪdənt/. In British English it is /ˈprɛsɪdənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in precedent?
Precedent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRES). Broken into parts: PRES · ih · dunt.
Do Americans and Brits say precedent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈprɛsɪdənt/ and the British form is /ˈprɛsɪdənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.