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Prior: meaning, definitions and examples

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prior

 

[ ˈpraɪər ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

academic

Existing or coming before in time, order, or importance.

Synonyms

earlier, former, previous

Examples of usage

  • Prior experience in the field is required for this job position.
  • She had a prior engagement and couldn't attend the meeting.
Context #2 | Noun

law

A prior conviction or arrest.

Synonyms

former, previous

Examples of usage

  • The judge took into consideration his prior criminal record.
  • The defendant had a prior history of similar offenses.

Translations

Translations of the word "prior" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anterior

🇮🇳 पूर्व

🇩🇪 vorherig

🇮🇩 sebelum

🇺🇦 попередній

🇵🇱 poprzedni

🇯🇵 前の

🇫🇷 précédent

🇪🇸 anterior

🇹🇷 önceki

🇰🇷 이전의

🇸🇦 سابق

🇨🇿 předchozí

🇸🇰 predchádzajúci

🇨🇳 前的

🇸🇮 prejšnji

🇮🇸 fyrri

🇰🇿 алдынғы

🇬🇪 წინა

🇦🇿 əvvəlki

🇲🇽 anterior

Etymology

The word 'prior' originates from the Latin word 'prior' meaning former or superior. It has been used in English since the 12th century to denote something that comes before in time, order, or importance. Over the centuries, 'prior' has maintained its original meaning across various contexts, from academia to law.

See also: prioritize, priority.

Word Frequency Rank

At #759 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.