先例 xiānlì precedent
How to remember 先例: 先 first + 例 examples = precedent.
Characters
How it is used
- A precedent - a prior case that sets a pattern - 开创先例 (kāichuàng xiānlì) to set a precedent; 史无先例 (unprecedented in history).
- Common in 没有先例 (no precedent), 打破先例 (break with precedent). Legal, administrative, and general register.
- vs 案例 (ànlì, a case example) - 先例 specifically implies an earlier instance that guides or authorizes later ones.