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Precedent vs Earlier - What's the difference?

precedent | earlier |

As a verb precedent

is .

As an adjective earlier is

(early).

As an adverb earlier is

(early).

precedent

English

(wikipedia precedent)

Alternative forms

* (archaic)

Noun

(en noun)
  • An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
  • * Hooker
    • Examples for cases can but direct as precedents only.
  • (legal) A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
  • (obsolete, with definite article) The aforementioned (thing).
  • *, New York 2001, p.74:
    • A third argument may be derived from the precedent .
  • The previous version.
  • (obsolete) A rough draught of a writing which precedes a finished copy.
    • (Shakespeare)

    Derived terms

    * binding precedent * declaratory precedent * original precedent * persuasive precedent * precedented * precedential * precedent-setting * precedent sub silentio * unprecedented

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.
  • *, III.2.1.i:
    • In the precedent section mention was made, amongst other pleasant objects, of this comeliness and beauty which proceeds from women […].

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (legal) To provide precedents for.
  • (legal) To be a precedent for.

    • See also

    * stare decisis ----

    earlier

    English

    Adjective

    (head)
  • (early)
  • occurring previously
    • I shall be late because I missed the earlier train.

    Adverb

    (head)
  • (early)
  • previously; before now; sooner
    • I shall be late because I didn't start earlier .