adjective · B2

Prior

PREYE-uh/ˈpraɪə/

Prior means earlier than something already in view: prior experience, prior to the meeting. Previous is the everyday adjective; before is the everyday preposition. Prior to is a formal before. A prior is also a religious title — rare here. Priority (what comes first in importance) is related but not the same word.

Meaning

Existing or happening before something else.

Examples

“Do you have any prior experience?”
“Applicants need no prior knowledge of coding.”
“Prior to 2019, the shop opened on Sundays.”

Good to know

prior experience/knowledge. prior to = formal before. Everyday: previous / before.

Near in meaning

New