prior
word
/ˈpɹaɪɝ/
PRY-ur
/pɹˈaɪɐ/
PRY-uh
Definition
Existing, happening, or coming before something else in time or order. It is often used in formal contexts to talk about earlier events, knowledge, or arrangements.
Usage & Nuances
More formal than 'before' or 'earlier'. Very common before nouns: 'prior experience', 'prior approval', 'prior knowledge'. The pattern 'prior to' is common in formal writing, but in everyday speech 'before' often sounds more natural.
Spanish: previo - anteriorPortuguese (BR): prévio - anteriorPortuguese (PT): prévio - anteriorChinese (Simplified): 先前的 - 事先的Chinese (Traditional): 先前的 - 事先的Hindi: पूर्व - पहले काArabic: سابق - مسبقBengali: পূর্ববর্তী - আগেরRussian: предварительный - прежний - предыдущийJapanese: 前の - 事前のVietnamese: trước - đã có từ trướcKorean: 이전의 - 사전의Turkish: önceki - öncedenUrdu: پہلے کا - سابقہIndonesian: sebelumnya - terdahulu
Example Sentences
You need prior approval to enter the lab.
basic
She had prior experience in sales.
basic
Please read the prior chapter first.
basic
We need to talk to the manager prior to making any changes.
natural
No prior notice was given, so everyone was confused.
natural
I had no prior knowledge of the issue until this morning.
natural