precedent

Chinese meaning
先例;判例
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Example
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court struck down a 91-year-old precedent that has prevented presidents from removing members of independent agencies
最高法院以6比3的裁决,推翻了一项沿用91年的先例——正是这项先例长期阻止总统罢免独立机构的成员。
Source: NPR · 29 Jun 2026
Background ✎
Roots · etymology
源自拉丁 praecēdere「走在前面、先行」
- pre-(在前)+ ced-(走)+ -ent(名词后缀)→ 走在前面的事例
Collocations
- set a precedent / legal precedent / overturn a precedent

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precedent explainer clip
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