Priority: meaning, definitions and examples
⭐️
priority
[praɪˈɔrəti ]
Definitions
business
The fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important than others.
Synonyms
importance, precedence, preference, primacy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| priority |
When something is given higher importance than other things or actions, especially in planning or organizing tasks.
|
| precedence |
Refers to the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; usually in a formal or official setting.
|
| importance |
Used to describe something that has a significant value or influence. It's more general and can refer to various aspects of life.
|
| preference |
Indicates a greater liking for one thing over another; more related to personal choices or tastes.
|
| primacy |
Refers to the state of being first in importance, often used in formal or academic discussions.
|
Examples of usage
- Priority is given to safety in the workplace.
- She always puts her family as her top priority.
- In some cultures, age takes priority over other factors.
- The government needs to prioritize education for the future generation.
- Customer satisfaction should be our priority.
technology
A level of importance assigned to a task or resource in order to determine the order in which it is dealt with or made available.
Synonyms
order, precedence, ranking, urgency.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| priority |
Used when something needs to be dealt with or given attention before other things. It implies a level of importance and often relates to tasks, projects or responsibilities.
|
| ranking |
Used when discussing the position or level of importance in a list, hierarchy or competition. It often relates to people, teams or achievements.
|
| order |
Used when referring to the arrangement or sequence of items, tasks or events. It can denote a logical, chronological or hierarchical sequence.
|
| urgency |
Used when referring to something that requires immediate attention or action. It implies a sense of immediacy and importance.
|
| precedence |
Used when discussing the fact of being considered more important than something else, often in formal or legal settings. It can also refer to something happening earlier in time.
|
Examples of usage
- The system allows users to set priorities for different tasks.
- Make sure to organize your tasks based on their priority.
- Our team needs to establish clear priorities for the project.
general
The right to take precedence or proceed before others.
Synonyms
advantage, precedence, privilege.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| priority |
Use when something is considered more important than others and requires immediate attention.
|
| precedence |
Use to indicate that something is regarded as more important than something else, often in a formal or ceremonial context.
|
| privilege |
Use to refer to a special right or advantage granted to a particular person or group, often implying exclusivity.
|
| advantage |
Use when referring to a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position.
|
Examples of usage
- Senior citizens are often given priority in public transportation.
- There is a priority lane for emergency vehicles on the highway.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'prior', meaning 'former' or 'earlier'.
- It was first used in English in the late 14th century, initially related to elements that rank higher in importance.
- In the 17th century, the term expanded to include tasks, making it central to discussions about time management.
Psychology
- Psychological theory suggests that prioritizing tasks can significantly reduce stress and improve productivity.
- The Eisenhower Matrix is a popular method that categorizes tasks by urgency and importance, helping individuals plan effectively.
- Studies indicate that prioritizing tasks can lead to better decision-making and goal achievement.
Business
- In a corporate context, setting priorities is vital for project management and resource allocation.
- Companies often use SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to prioritize strategic moves.
- Effective prioritization can lead to increased efficiency and profitability in business operations.
Society
- Cultural values influence what people prioritize; in some cultures, family may be the top priority, while in others, career takes precedence.
- In public policy, prioritizing certain social issues can lead to changes in funding and legislative focus.
- The concept of priorities in society shapes how communities allocate resources during emergencies or crises.
Technology
- In software development, 'priority' helps teams determine which features to work on first based on user needs and business goals.
- Algorithms often use priority in sorting tasks or data to optimize performance, ensuring crucial processes run smoothly.
- Tech companies commonly have priority lists to manage customer feedback and improve user experience.
Translations
Translations of the word "priority" in other languages:
🇵🇹 prioridade
🇮🇳 प्राथमिकता
🇩🇪 Priorität
🇮🇩 prioritas
🇺🇦 пріоритет
🇵🇱 priorytet
🇯🇵 優先順位 (ゆうせんじゅんい)
🇫🇷 priorité
🇪🇸 prioridad
🇹🇷 öncelik
🇰🇷 우선순위 (useonsunwi)
🇸🇦 أولوية
🇨🇿 priorita
🇸🇰 priorita
🇨🇳 优先级 (yōuxiān jí)
🇸🇮 prednost
🇮🇸 forgangsatriði
🇰🇿 басымдық
🇬🇪 პრიორიტეტი
🇦🇿 prioritet
🇲🇽 prioridad