Inklingo

How to Say "precedents" in Spanish

The Spanish word forprecedentsis antecedentesB1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishB1
nounB1
earlier events that inform the present
A small green sapling growing from layered soil, illustrating the concept of background or accumulated history.

Examples

Para tomar una decisión, necesitamos conocer todos los antecedentes del caso.

To make a decision, we need to know all the background information of the case.

Sus antecedentes académicos son excelentes.

His academic background is excellent.

Los científicos investigaron los antecedentes de la enfermedad.

The scientists investigated the history (or origins) of the disease.

Always Plural!

Even when referring to a single 'background' or 'precedent' in English, 'antecedentes' is always used in the plural form in Spanish. You must use plural adjectives and articles with it (e.g., 'los antecedentes').

Using the Singular Form

Mistake:El antecedente es complicado.

Correction: Los antecedentes son complicados. (The background is complicated.) Remember to keep it plural.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.