Usage Note: Though prior usually modifies a noun that comes after it, as in prior approval, it sometimes modifies a noun for a unit of time which precedes it, as in five years prior.
previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.
PRIOR definition: 1. existing or happening before something else, or before a particular time: 2. before a…. Learn more.
A prior is a monk who is in charge of a priory or a monk who is the second most important person in a monastery. 4.
There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun prior, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
Definition of prior adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
PRIOR definition: preceding in time or in order; earlier or former; previous. See examples of prior used in a sentence.
prior (not comparable) Coming before in order or time; earlier, former, previous. synonyms quotations Synonyms: advance, antecedent, anterior; see also Thesaurus: former His …
We have a prior claim to the estate. Prior to dinner, photographs of the wedding party will be taken. My parents were married just prior to the war.
Use the adjective prior for things that exist earlier in time or that happen first in time or order.