Reading Theme:
Priority: Definition, Usage & Real-Life Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：prime importance (priority)
priority
/praɪˈɒr.ə.ti/
n.
Something that is more important than other things and should be done first.
prime importance
➕
/praɪm ɪmˈpɔː.təns/
n.
Refers to the status or quality of being more significant, critical, or needing attention before other matters.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'prior' meaning 'earlier, former' + the noun suffix '-ity' indicating state or condition.
💡 Mnemonic
Prior to anything else, I need to do this first. 'Prior' sounds like 'prior' meaning before.
📖 Example
In today's team meeting, finishing the project report was our main priority.
Finishing the project report was the task considered most important and needing immediate action during the meeting.
🔗 Collocations
top priority – The single most important thing that must be dealt with before anything else.
set priorities – To decide on the order in which tasks should be tackled based on their importance.
high priority – Of great importance, deserving early attention.
🔄 Synonyms
precedence (n.) – The condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority in order, rank, or importance.
preeminence (n.) – The quality of being superior or surpassing all others; outstanding importance.
🚫 Antonyms
triviality (n.) – The state of being of little value or importance.
afterthought (n.) – Something that is considered or added later, not of primary importance.
🌱 Derivatives
prioritize (v.) – To designate or treat something as more important than other things.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'prioritas' (the fact or condition of being earlier). Its evolution into meaning 'right to precedence' and 'primary importance' reflects how temporal order became linked to value and urgency in legal, military, and managerial contexts.
Meaning 2：right of way (priority)
priority
/praɪˈɒr.ə.ti/
n.
The right to be treated or to go before other people.
right of way
➕
/raɪt əv weɪ/
n.
The legal or formal right to proceed or be dealt with before others.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Ambulances have priority on the road, so all cars must move aside to let them pass.
Emergency vehicles possess the legal right to proceed ahead of other traffic, requiring cars to yield.
🔗 Collocations
give priority to – To allow someone or something to go first or be dealt with before others.
have priority over – To possess a right that takes precedence over the rights of others.
🔄 Synonyms
right of way (n.) – The legal right, as established by usage or grant, to pass along a specific route through grounds or property belonging to another; or the right of one vehicle or vessel to proceed ahead of another.
🚫 Antonyms
deferral (n.) – The action of putting something off to a later time; postponement.
Wordbook
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