precede

（在时间或位置上）处于……前面

【例】Your L/C should reach us one month preceding the month of shipment.

你方信用证应于装船月份的前1个月抵达我方。

precedence

优先，更重要

【1】give precedence to优先处理

【例】As soon as we are in a position to offer, we shall give precedence to your inquiry.

一俟我方能够报盘，定将优先处理你方询盘。

【2】take [have] precedence (over, of)优先（于……），（较……）重要

①【例】The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall take precedence and govern both parties.

一切以本协议条款为准，条款对双方均有约束力。

②可接用over [of] sth。

【例】Financial measures take precedence of other matters.

财政措施较其他事情重要。

precedent

先例，前例

【例】Let us make it clear that this accommodation is only for this transaction, which will in no case set [establish] a precedent.

我们应当明确这种照顾仅限于这次交易，而决不应作为先例。