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prior

prior

752 2.9
Happening before something else in time
  • adjective
  • /ˈpraɪər/
translation icon : previo
  • Both classes were given a handout on rules prior to the written test.
  • prior knowledge
  • prior experience
  • prior research

It is consistent with prior efforts or studies.

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Examples

  • Twenty-two percent reported feeling prepared prior to the interviews, and only 30% felt prepared after those interviews.

    Academic text (2011)
  • University and district internal review board approval was obtained prior to initiating the study.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Because you learn a lot about someone from their prior relationships.

  • I actually wore this dress two weeks prior to the Critics Choice Awards.

  • Engine trouble on the Sapphire Moon was documented three times in the prior month.

  • In a similar fashion, notwithstanding my Italian background, my prior knowledge of Catholic theology was also very limited.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Parental consent for the study was obtained prior to each child's participation.

    Academic text (2011)
  • I wore this dress two weeks prior to the Critics Choice Awards.

  • University and district internal review board approval was obtained prior to initiating the study.

  • Both classes were given a handout on rules prior to the written test.

Synonyms

past
vsprior
1.0

From an earlier time, not happening now

is used for earlier things but does not stress being out of date
previous
vsprior
1.0

Happening before now or before another event

is slightly more general, meaning earlier in time in many contexts
preexisting
vsprior
22 4.1

Already present before something else happens, like a health condition

is the common term for something occurring or existing earlier in time
anterior
vsprior
  • Formal
2 7.2

Happening before something else in time

is the neutral, everyday expression for an earlier occurrence
preexistent
vsprior
1 7.6

Present before something else happens

is a general label for something happening earlier rather than current
earlier
vsprior
1 1.0

Happening before something else in time

is the same idea but focuses on timing relative to another event
pre-existent
vsprior
6.8

Present before something else happened

is a more general word for something happening before another time
pre-existing
vsprior
4.1

Already there before a given time or event

is the same idea but usually written as a single word
preceding
vsprior
3.2

Coming before something in time or order

is broader, applying to earlier occurrence without stressing sequence

Antonyms

171 4.4

Happening after something else in time

1.0

Happening after something else in time

How Early

antecedent
3 7.4
prevenient
  • Formal
1 9.9
prior
752 2.9
preceding
3.2
following
1.0
subsequent
171 4.4
later
1.0

Surface Forms

prior positive
priorer comparative
priorest superlative

Etymology

Prior comes from the Latin word prior, which means 'earlier' or 'before'. Think of priority — something that comes 'before' others — so prior means something that exists or happens 'before' something else.