Priority: meaning, definitions and examples

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priority

 

[ praɪˈɔrəti ]

Context #1 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
priority

When something is given higher importance than other things or actions, especially in planning or organizing tasks.

  • Ensuring customer satisfaction should be a top priority for the company
  • I'm trying to prioritize my tasks so that I manage my time better
precedence

Refers to the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; usually in a formal or official setting.

  • In times of crisis, public safety takes precedence over individual privacy
  • Historical artifacts should take precedence over new constructions
importance

Used to describe something that has a significant value or influence. It's more general and can refer to various aspects of life.

  • The importance of education cannot be overstated
  • She stressed the importance of honesty in relationships
preference

Indicates a greater liking for one thing over another; more related to personal choices or tastes.

  • She has a preference for tea over coffee
  • I have a strong preference for outdoor activities during vacations
primacy

Refers to the state of being first in importance, often used in formal or academic discussions.

  • The primacy of economic issues in the election was evident
  • The primacy of the constitution in defining laws is crucial

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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?

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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.

  • Safety is a top priority for our company
  • I need to make this call a priority today
ranking

Used when discussing the position or level of importance in a list, hierarchy or competition. It often relates to people, teams or achievements.

  • He achieved the highest ranking in the class
  • The team’s new ranking has improved significantly this year
order

Used when referring to the arrangement or sequence of items, tasks or events. It can denote a logical, chronological or hierarchical sequence.

  • Please arrange these files in alphabetical order
  • The events will take place in the following order: registration, keynote speech, and workshops
urgency

Used when referring to something that requires immediate attention or action. It implies a sense of immediacy and importance.

  • There is an urgency to get this report finished by today
  • The urgency of the situation forced us to act quickly
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.

  • The safety of the passengers takes precedence over everything else
  • Historical events can help us understand the precedence of cultural changes

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.
Context #3 | Noun

general

The right to take precedence or proceed before others.

Synonyms

advantage, precedence, privilege.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
priority

Use when something is considered more important than others and requires immediate attention.

  • Safety is our top priority in the workplace.
  • Finishing this project on time is my main priority now.
precedence

Use to indicate that something is regarded as more important than something else, often in a formal or ceremonial context.

  • In this meeting, budget issues take precedence over other topics.
  • Tradition often takes precedence in family gatherings.
privilege

Use to refer to a special right or advantage granted to a particular person or group, often implying exclusivity.

  • Having access to this exclusive club is a privilege.
  • They have the privilege of using the VIP lounge at the airport.
advantage

Use when referring to a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position.

  • Having a car is an advantage in getting around the city.
  • Speaking multiple languages is a great advantage in the job market.

Examples of usage

  • Senior citizens are often given priority in public transportation.
  • There is a priority lane for emergency vehicles on the highway.

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

Etymology

The word 'priority' originated in the late 14th century from the Latin word 'prioritas', which means the state of being earlier or coming first. Over time, the word evolved to represent the concept of something being more important or having higher precedence than others. In today's modern usage, 'priority' is commonly used in various contexts such as business, technology, and general decision-making processes.

See also: prior, prioritize.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,820, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.