Prior

Definition

Prior typically refers to "existing or coming before in time, order, or importance."

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpraɪər/
• Respelling: PRY-er (with "PRY" as in "pry," and "er" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpraɪə/
• Respelling: PRY-uh (with "PRY" as in "pry," and "uh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "prior" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. The American pronunciation includes a final "r" sound, while the British version often drops the rhotic 'r' at the end, making it sound more like "PRY-uh."

Etymology

The term "prior" originates from the Latin "prior", which means "former, first, more important". It has been used in English since at least the 12th century.

Derivatives

• Priorship
• Priority
• Prioritize
• Prioritization
• Priorly (less common)

Synonyms

• Previous
• Earlier
• Antecedent

Antonyms

• Subsequent
• Following
• Later

Usage

"Prior" is often used to indicate something that precedes another event, time, or order, emphasizing its precedence or importance. In legal terms, "prior" can refer to a previous conviction or offense.

Related Terms

• Preceding
• Preexistence
• Beforehand
• Preliminary
• Preemptive

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Earlier in time or order.
• Example: "She had a career prior to getting married."

• More important than something else; taking precedence.
• Example: "These tasks are of prior importance."

Noun

• The superior of a priory or a religious house in certain Christian denominations.
• Example: "The prior led the morning prayers."

• A previous incident or event.
• Example: "His priors include two convictions for theft."