Prior: meaning, definitions and examples

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prior

[ ˈpraɪər ]

^{Context #1}

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}

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

Word origin

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.