Prior: meaning, definitions and examples

Same as the first explanation for 'prior'. Used to indicate something that happened or existed before a specific event or time. It's often used in legal, professional, or formal contexts.

• She had no prior experience in this field.
• I need a few days' prior notice before the meeting.

Refers to the one directly before the current one, often used when discussing a sequence of events, positions, or instances.

• I couldn't attend the previous meeting.
• Her previous job was in marketing.

Indicates something or someone that was in a particular state, condition, or role in the past but not anymore. Often used to talk about past positions, relationships, or conditions.

• He is a former president of the company.
• She met her former colleague at the conference.

Refers to something that happened at a time before now, but generally in the relatively recent past. It's commonly used in everyday conversation.

• I saw her earlier today.
• We met earlier this week.

Use 'prior' when referring to something that happened earlier in time, often in a chronological or sequential context.

• I had no prior knowledge of the meeting.
• She had a prior engagement and couldn't attend the party.

Use 'previous' to describe something that came before the current one, often in a series or sequence.

• I missed the previous bus.
• We met at the previous conference.

Use 'former' to describe something that existed earlier but no longer does, or to refer to the first of two things mentioned.

• He is a former employee of the company.
• Of the two options, I prefer the former.