priority
Priority refers to the condition of being regarded as more important than others or the right to take precedence in rank, order, or time. It is often used to describe tasks or concerns that need to be dealt with before anything else.
Examples
3 of 5My main priority this weekend is to finish painting the kitchen.
The most important thing I have to do this weekend is complete the kitchen painting.
The government has given top priority to reducing the national debt.
The administration has identified the reduction of national debt as its most critical objective.
Food is a priority, so let's eat before we start the movie.
Eating is more important right now, so we should eat before watching the film.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
The word starts with 'PRI-', which is the same root as 'prior' (meaning before). A priority is what comes 'before' everything else in importance.
Quick Quiz
Safety should always be the ______ concern for engineers when designing a new bridge.
Correct!
The correct answer is: priority
Examples
My main priority this weekend is to finish painting the kitchen.
everydayThe most important thing I have to do this weekend is complete the kitchen painting.
The government has given top priority to reducing the national debt.
formalThe administration has identified the reduction of national debt as its most critical objective.
Food is a priority, so let's eat before we start the movie.
informalEating is more important right now, so we should eat before watching the film.
The study suggests that pedagogical improvements should be a priority for educational reform.
academicResearch indicates that improving teaching methods must be a primary focus for changing the education system.
We need to re-evaluate our project priorities to meet the new deadline.
businessWe must reconsider which project tasks are most important to ensure we finish on time.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
first priority
the very first thing that must be done
priority seating
seats reserved for people who need them most, such as the elderly
order of priority
a list arranged from most important to least important
Often Confused With
Preference is what you like more, while priority is what is more important or urgent.
Priority is the thing of importance, while prior means 'existing or coming before' in time.
Usage Notes
Priority can act as a noun but is frequently used as an attributive noun (functioning like an adjective) in phrases like 'priority mail' or 'priority task.' When used as a noun, it is often paired with the verbs 'set,' 'give,' or 'establish.'
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'have more priority,' but it is more natural to say 'have higher priority' or 'is a higher priority.'
Memory Tip
The word starts with 'PRI-', which is the same root as 'prior' (meaning before). A priority is what comes 'before' everything else in importance.
Word Origin
From the Medieval Latin 'prioritas', which means the state of being earlier in time.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern corporate culture, 'prioritization' is considered a vital soft skill for productivity and time management.
Quick Quiz
Safety should always be the ______ concern for engineers when designing a new bridge.
Correct!
The correct answer is: priority
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