Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Prior: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：earlier in time (prior)

prior 🔊

/ˈpraɪər/

adj.

coming or happening before another thing in time.

Prior meaning illustrated: checking a past appointment on a digital calendar.

earlier in time 🔊

➕

/ˈɜːrliər ɪn taɪm/

adj.

Refers to something that exists, occurs, or is arranged before a specific point in time or another event.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'prior' meaning 'former, earlier, superior, more advanced in age or time'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'prior' as 'pre-' (before) + '-ior' (comparative ending). It means 'before' in time or 'more important'.

📖 Example

I couldn't go to the party because I had a prior appointment with my dentist. 🔊 I was unable to attend the social gathering due to a previously scheduled meeting with my dentist.

🔗 Collocations

prior commitment – A previously arranged obligation or appointment.

prior experience – Experience gained before a certain time or event.

prior knowledge – Information or understanding possessed beforehand.

🔄 Synonyms

previous (adj.) – Existing or occurring before in time or order.

earlier (adj./adv.) – Happening or done before the present time or before the time in question.

former (adj.) – Of or occurring in the past; previous.

🚫 Antonyms

subsequent (adj.) – Coming after something in time; following.

later (adj./adv.) – Occurring or coming after the present time or after the time in question.

future (adj.) – At a later time; going to happen or exist.

🌱 Derivatives

priority (n.) – The fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important than others.

prioritize (v.) – To designate or treat something as more important than other things.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived directly from Latin, 'prior' entered Middle English via Anglo-Norman and Old French. Its comparative sense is preserved in modern English, often used in legal and business contexts (e.g., 'prior engagement') to denote precedence.

Meaning 2：higher in priority (prior)

prior 🔊

/ˈpraɪər/

adj.

more important than other things, so it must be dealt with first.

Prior as higher priority: a top task highlighted on a to-do list.

higher in priority 🔊

➕

/ˈhaɪər ɪn praɪˈɒrəti/

adj.

Indicates that something is of greater importance or urgency and therefore deserves attention or action before other things.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My family's health is always my prior concern, even before work. 🔊 The well-being of my family members consistently takes precedence over my professional responsibilities.

🔗 Collocations

prior concern – The most important issue that needs to be addressed first.

prior obligation – A duty or responsibility that takes precedence over others.

prior duty – A task or responsibility that is considered more important and must be completed first.

🔄 Synonyms

primary (adj.) – Of chief importance; principal.

foremost (adj.) – Most prominent in rank, importance, or position.

paramount (adj.) – More important than anything else; supreme.

🚫 Antonyms

secondary (adj.) – Less important than, or resulting from, something that is primary.

minor (adj.) – Lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance.

lesser (adj.) – Not as great in size, amount, or importance.

🌱 Derivatives

priority (n.) – The fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important than others.

prioritize (v.) – To designate or treat something as more important than other things.