柯林斯詞典precedent /?pr?s?d?nt/ (precedents) 1. N-VAR If there is a precedent for an action or event, it has happened before, and this can be regarded as an argument for doing it again. 先例[正式] The trial could set an important precedent for dealing with similar cases. 這次審判能為處理類似案件開創(chuàng)一個(gè)重要先例。 返回 precedent劍橋詞典C2 [ 可數(shù)名詞：有復(fù)數(shù)形式的名詞 ] an action , situation , or decision that has already happened and can be used as a reason why a similar action or decision should be performed or made 先例，前例 There are several precedents for promoting people who don't have formal qualifications . 提拔沒有正式學(xué)歷的人是有幾個(gè)先例的。 Some politicians fear that agreeing to the concession would set a dangerous precedent. 一些政客擔(dān)心同意讓步會(huì)開創(chuàng)危險(xiǎn)的先例。 [ 不可數(shù)或單數(shù)名詞：沒有復(fù)數(shù)形式的名詞 ] the way that something has been done in the past that therefore shows that it is the correct way 慣例 Would it be breaking with precedent for the bride to make a speech ? 新娘發(fā)表講話是否有悖于慣例？ [ 可數(shù)名詞：有復(fù)數(shù)形式的名詞 ] law specialized a decision about a particular legal case that makes it likely that other similar cases will be decided in the same way （可援引的）先例，判例 The judgment on pension rights has established /set a precedent. 對(duì)養(yǎng)老金領(lǐng)取權(quán)的裁決成了一個(gè)判例。 例句 I worry about giving into her demands because it then sets a precedent.The court's decision has set a legal precedent.This decision set an important legal precedent for other countries . 返回 precedent