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el precedente means precedent — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 22, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

el precedente

noun • /[el preh-seh-DEN-teh]/

precedent

Example:

Este fallo sienta un precedente importante.

This ruling sets an important precedent.

🧠 What does el precedente mean?

In Spanish, 'el precedente' means precedent, just like in English. It refers to an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances. It often carries legal or historical weight, setting a standard for future decisions or behaviors. Think of it as something that happened before and is now influencing what happens next.

📚 Extra examples

  • Este caso legal sentó un precedente importante.
    This legal case set an important precedent.
  • Hay precedentes históricos para este tipo de conflicto.
    There are historical precedents for this type of conflict.
  • No queremos sentar un precedente negativo.
    We don't want to set a negative precedent.
  • El juez estudió los precedentes antes de tomar una decisión.
    The judge studied the precedents before making a decision.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'precedente' comes from the Latin word 'praecedens', meaning 'going before'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "el precedente"

Synonyms: el antecedente, la jurisprudencia (legal context)

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'precedent' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'precedent' is 'el precedente'.
How do you pronounce 'el precedente' in Spanish?
It's pronounced roughly as 'el preh-seh-DEN-teh'. The 'e' sounds are similar to the 'e' in 'bed', and the stress falls on the third-to-last syllable (DEN).
How do you use 'el precedente' in a sentence?
You can use it much like the English word: 'El precedente legal es claro' (The legal precedent is clear). Or: 'No hay precedente para esta situación' (There's no precedent for this situation).
What is the English translation of 'el precedente'?
The English translation is 'precedent'.
Does 'el precedente' change for gender or number?
Yes, for number. The singular is 'el precedente' (masculine, since it uses 'el'). The plural is 'los precedentes'. The gender remains masculine.
Is 'el precedente' common in everyday Spanish?
It's more common in formal contexts like legal, academic, or journalistic discussions. While you might not hear it every day on the street, educated Spanish speakers will understand and use it.
Does 'el precedente' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'el precedente' doesn't really have any slang meanings or double meanings. Its meaning is quite straightforward.
Is 'el precedente' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'el precedente' are pretty consistent across both Spain and Latin America.

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