Inklingo

How to Say "precedent" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “precedent” is “antecedente” — use 'antecedente' when referring to a past event, action, or circumstance that serves as background information or a basis for a current situation, often in a personal or investigative context.

English → Spanish

antecedente

an-te-seh-DEN-tehanteseˈdente

nounB1general
Use 'antecedente' when referring to a past event, action, or circumstance that serves as background information or a basis for a current situation, often in a personal or investigative context.
A stack of old leather-bound books and a family tree scroll on a wooden table.

Examples

La policía revisó sus antecedentes antes de darle el trabajo.

The police checked his background before giving him the job.

No hay antecedentes de una tormenta tan fuerte en esta ciudad.

There is no precedent for such a strong storm in this city.

El paciente no tiene antecedentes médicos de importancia.

The patient has no significant medical history.

Using the Plural

When talking about a person's life history or criminal record, you almost always use the plural form: 'los antecedentes'.

The 'Before' Word

In school, this word is used to describe the person or thing you mentioned first before using a word like 'who' or 'which' (e.g., in 'The boy who ran', 'the boy' is the antecedente).

Record vs. Recuerdo

Mistake: “Usar 'record' para hablar de historia criminal.”

Correction: Use 'antecedentes' for a history/record. 'Record' (the English word) sounds like 'recuerdo' (memory) or 'récord' (a sports trophy), which are different.

ejemplo

e-KHEM-ploeˈxemplo

nounB1general
Choose 'ejemplo' when 'precedent' means a model or pattern of behavior to follow or avoid, emphasizing the illustrative aspect of a past action.
A friendly adult bear is carefully planting a small sapling, while a smaller bear cub stands beside it and mimics the planting action with a tiny shovel, demonstrating a standard of behavior being imitated.

Examples

Mi madre es un ejemplo de honestidad y trabajo.

My mother is a model of honesty and hard work.

Los líderes deben dar el ejemplo con sus acciones.

Leaders must set an example with their actions.

Esa atleta es un ejemplo a seguir para los jóvenes.

That athlete is a role model for young people to follow.

precedente

pre-se-DEN-tepɾeseˈðente

nounB2formal
Use 'precedente' primarily in formal or legal contexts to refer to a prior ruling, decision, or event that establishes a standard or guideline for future similar cases.
A row of several green toy soldiers followed by a single blue toy soldier.

Examples

No hay ningún precedente de una situación así en nuestra empresa.

There is no precedent for a situation like this in our company.

Este fallo judicial sienta un precedente muy importante para el futuro.

This court ruling sets a very important precedent for the future.

Su comportamiento no tiene precedentes; nunca habíamos visto algo igual.

His behavior is unprecedented; we had never seen anything like it before.

Using 'precedente' as a thing

When used as a noun (a thing), it is almost always masculine. You will use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Precedente vs. Antecedente

Mistake: “Using 'precedente' to mean someone's criminal record history.”

Correction: Use 'antecedentes' (plural) for criminal records. Use 'precedente' for a specific event that sets a rule for the future.

doctrina

dohk-TREE-nahdokˈtɾina

nounB2formal
Employ 'doctrina' when referring to a body of established legal principles, theories, or teachings that form a precedent or guiding standard, especially in law or religion.
A wise teacher sitting under a large leafy tree, sharing a scroll with a group of attentive students in a peaceful garden.

Examples

La doctrina cristiana se enseña en esta escuela.

Christian doctrine is taught in this school.

El gobierno anunció una nueva doctrina económica.

The government announced a new economic doctrine.

Este fallo judicial ayuda a sentar doctrina en el país.

This court ruling helps to set a legal precedent in the country.

Gender and Articles

Since 'doctrina' ends in 'a' and is feminine, you must use 'la' or 'una'. For example: 'la doctrina' (the doctrine) or 'una doctrina' (a doctrine).

Adjective Placement

When describing a doctrine, the adjective usually comes after: 'doctrina militar', not 'militar doctrina'.

Not the same as 'Doctor'

Mistake: “El médico me dio su doctrina.”

Correction: El médico me dio su diagnóstico.

Confusing 'antecedente' and 'precedente'

Learners often confuse 'antecedente' and 'precedente' because both can relate to past events. Remember that 'antecedente' is broader, referring to background information or past occurrences, while 'precedente' is more specific, usually implying a formal or legal standard set by a past event.

Related Translations

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