B2 verb Neutral

prior

/ˈpraɪ.ər/

Existing or coming before in time, order, or importance. It is frequently used to describe a previous arrangement or knowledge that someone has before a specific point in time.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I cannot attend the wedding because I have a prior commitment that day.

I have an earlier engagement that prevents me from coming.

2

The candidate's prior experience in international law makes her an ideal choice for the position.

The applicant's previous history working in law makes her a good fit.

3

I didn't have any prior warning that they were planning a surprise party.

I had no advance notice about the party plans.

Word Family

Noun
priority
Verb
prioritize
Adjective
prior
Related
prioritization
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'PRI' in 'PRIor' as standing for 'PRE' (before). If something is a PRIority, it comes PRIor to everything else.

Quick Quiz

The building cannot be accessed without ___ written consent from the owner.

Correct!

The correct answer is: prior

Examples

1

I cannot attend the wedding because I have a prior commitment that day.

everyday

I have an earlier engagement that prevents me from coming.

2

The candidate's prior experience in international law makes her an ideal choice for the position.

formal

The applicant's previous history working in law makes her a good fit.

3

I didn't have any prior warning that they were planning a surprise party.

informal

I had no advance notice about the party plans.

4

Prior research in this field suggests that the results may vary depending on the sample size.

academic

Earlier studies indicate that outcomes change based on the group studied.

5

All international travel requires prior authorization from the department head.

business

Travel needs approval beforehand from the person in charge.

Word Family

Noun
priority
Verb
prioritize
Adjective
prior
Related
prioritization

Common Collocations

prior knowledge information known beforehand
prior experience skills gained in the past
prior notice advance warning
prior approval permission granted before an action
prior arrangement plans made in advance

Common Phrases

prior to

before a particular time or event

without prior notice

happening without warning

prior engagement

a previous social or business obligation

Often Confused With

prior vs previous

Prior is often more formal and frequently used in legal or business contexts, whereas previous is common in daily speech.

📝

Usage Notes

Prior is most commonly used as an adjective before a noun or in the compound preposition 'prior to' followed by a noun or a gerund.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid saying 'prior than'; the correct comparative-like structure is 'prior to'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'PRI' in 'PRIor' as standing for 'PRE' (before). If something is a PRIority, it comes PRIor to everything else.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'prior', meaning 'former', 'previous', or 'superior'.

Grammar Patterns

Used as an attributive adjective before nouns. Functions as a preposition in the phrase 'prior to + noun/ing'.
🌍

Cultural Context

In legal and professional English, 'prior' is strictly used to define terms of notification and existing contractual obligations.

Quick Quiz

The building cannot be accessed without ___ written consent from the owner.

Correct!

The correct answer is: prior

Related Words

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C1

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C1

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