precedence

Everyday

1. Precedence is being more important than something else, so it comes first. tree →
2. (formal) Order of precedence is the order in which people or things must go, by rank or importance. tree →

In the lessons

In maths it is used for the order of operations: multiplication and division take precedence over addition and subtraction (BIDMAS/BODMAS/PEMDAS). In everyday life: safety takes precedence over fun. Phrases: «take precedence over», «give precedence to», «order of precedence».

Examples

• Safety takes precedence over speed. tree →
• In 3 + 4 × 2, multiplication takes precedence, so the answer is 11. tree →
• Homework takes precedence over video games. tree →
• Brackets take precedence over everything else. tree →
• The guests sat in order of precedence. tree →
• Emergency vehicles take precedence on the road. tree →
• Health takes precedence over winning. tree →
• The head teacher's rule takes precedence. tree →
• She's the oldest of us all, but she takes precedence of the youngest. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Do not confuse with «precedent» (an earlier example used as a guide). In maths: 2 + 3 × 4 = 14, not 20, because × takes precedence over +.