Priority Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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.
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| precedence |
Refers to the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; usually in a formal or official setting.
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| importance |
Used to describe something that has a significant value or influence. It's more general and can refer to various aspects of life.
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| preference |
Indicates a greater liking for one thing over another; more related to personal choices or tastes.
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| primacy |
Refers to the state of being first in importance, often used in formal or academic discussions.
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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.
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| ranking |
Used when discussing the position or level of importance in a list, hierarchy or competition. It often relates to people, teams or achievements.
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| order |
Used when referring to the arrangement or sequence of items, tasks or events. It can denote a logical, chronological or hierarchical sequence.
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| urgency |
Used when referring to something that requires immediate attention or action. It implies a sense of immediacy and importance.
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| 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.
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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.
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| privilege |
Use to refer to a special right or advantage granted to a particular person or group, often implying exclusivity.
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| advantage |
Use when referring to a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position.
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Examples of usage
- Senior citizens are often given priority in public transportation.
- There is a priority lane for emergency vehicles on the highway.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'priority'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
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.