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Preliminary vs Precedent - What's the difference?

preliminary | precedent |

As adjectives the difference between preliminary and precedent

is that preliminary is in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory while precedent is happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.

As nouns the difference between preliminary and precedent

is that preliminary is a preparation for a main matter; an introduction while precedent is an act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.

As a verb precedent is

to provide precedents for.

preliminary

English

(wikipedia preliminary)

Alternative forms

* (archaic)

Adjective

(-)
  • in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory
    • These are just the preliminary results.
  • *
    • And then, after a few preliminary tries, the whole farm burst out into 'Beasts of England' in tremendous unison.

    Antonyms

    * definitive, final

    Derived terms

    * preliminarily * preliminary results * preliminary considerations

    Noun

    (preliminaries)
  • A preparation for a main matter; an introduction
  • Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists
  • A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing

    • 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 ----