Inklingo

How to Say "precedence" in Spanish

English → Spanish

prioridad

pree-oh-ree-DAHD/pɾjo.ɾiˈðað/

nounB2general
Use 'prioridad' when 'precedence' refers to the right or status of coming before others in importance, rank, or order of consideration.
A simple colorful illustration showing three identical geometric shapes standing on a low platform. The center shape is placed on a tall pedestal and is illuminated by a bright, focused spotlight, signifying its primary importance over the two shapes flanking it.

Examples

La seguridad de los pasajeros tiene prioridad sobre la puntualidad.

Passenger safety takes precedence over punctuality.

Mi prioridad ahora es terminar este proyecto.

My priority now is to finish this project.

La seguridad de los pasajeros tiene la máxima prioridad.

Passenger safety has the highest priority.

Debemos establecer las prioridades antes de empezar a trabajar.

We must establish the priorities before starting to work.

Feminine Noun Ending in -dad

Words that end in '-dad' (like 'ciudad', 'libertad', 'prioridad') are always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with them.

Using the Preposition 'A'

When you 'give priority' to something, you need the preposition 'a': 'dar prioridad a algo' (to give priority to something).

Pronouncing the Final 'D'

Mistake: “Pronouncing the final 'd' like a hard English 'd' (as in 'dog').”

Correction: In Spanish, the final 'd' in words like 'prioridad' is very soft, almost like the 'th' in the English word 'the'. Practice softening that sound.

anterioridad

/an-te-ryo-ree-DAHD//anteɾjoɾiˈðad/

nounB2general
Use 'anterioridad' when 'precedence' refers to something happening or existing before something else in time or sequence, often implying 'in advance'.
A row of colorful umbrellas where one bright yellow umbrella is positioned clearly ahead of the others in a line.

Examples

Se debe presentar la solicitud con suficiente anterioridad.

The application must be submitted with sufficient precedence (in advance).

Debes reservar tu entrada con anterioridad.

You must book your ticket in advance.

No teníamos conocimiento de los cambios con anterioridad a la reunión.

We had no knowledge of the changes prior to the meeting.

La anterioridad de su llegada le dio una ventaja clara.

The fact that he arrived earlier gave him a clear advantage.

Using 'Con Anterioridad' like an Adverb

Even though 'anterioridad' is a noun, the phrase 'con anterioridad' is used exactly like the word 'previously' or 'beforehand' in English.

The '-dad' Gender Rule

Words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine in Spanish, so you use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Using 'anterioridad' alone

Mistake: “Hice la reserva anterioridad.”

Correction: Hice la reserva con anterioridad.

Prioridad vs. Anterioridad

Learners often confuse these by using 'prioridad' when they mean 'anterioridad' and vice-versa. Remember that 'prioridad' is about importance or rank, while 'anterioridad' is about time or sequence. Think 'priority' versus 'earlier' or 'advance'.

Related Translations

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