precedent-setting

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   creating a new example or rule that later cases or decisions are likely to follow.

   Grammar: Comes before the noun it describes: a precedent-setting case. It is not used after 'be' in this form.

   Patterns

   • a precedent-setting decision
   • a precedent-setting case
   • precedent-setting ruling

   The court's precedent-setting decision changed how similar claims are handled.

   This precedent-setting agreement will guide negotiations for years.

   Lawyers called the verdict precedent-setting because no earlier case had dealt with online privacy.

2. 2phrase

   the act of establishing an example that others are expected to follow.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often after 'is' or 'becomes': this is precedent setting.

   Patterns

   • be precedent setting
   • regard something as precedent setting

   The judges described the new policy as precedent setting.

   Many scholars see the treaty as precedent setting for environmental law.

Common combinations

precedent-setting ruling

The precedent-setting ruling forced companies to disclose their data practices.

precedent-setting case

It became a precedent-setting case in employment law.

precedent-setting decision

Her precedent-setting decision was quoted in later trials.

set a precedent

The committee's choice may set a precedent for future funding.

Synonyms and how they differ

groundbreaking

Stresses that something is new and important; 'precedent-setting' focuses on the fact that later decisions will follow it.

landmark

Often used for a famous case or law that marks a turning point; close in meaning but more about importance than about guiding future cases.

Word family

precedent noun

an earlier action or decision used as an example or rule for later ones.

Commonly confused: precedent-setting or president?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “precedent-setting”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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