PRIOR definition: 1. existing or happening before something else, or before a particular time: 2. before a…. Learn more.

previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

PRIOR definition: preceding in time or in order; earlier or former; previous. See examples of prior used in a sentence.

Define prior. prior synonyms, prior pronunciation, prior translation, English dictionary definition of prior. adj. 1. Preceding in time or order: " insist that foreign vessels seeking access obtain prior approval" .

A prior claim or duty is more important than other claims or duties and needs to be dealt with first. The firm I wanted to use had prior commitments.

OED's earliest evidence for prior is from 1607, in the writing of Barnabe Barnes, poet and playwright. It is also recorded as a noun from the Old English period (pre-1150).

4 days ago · This adjective has no positive form; rather, it serves as the comparative (prior) and superlative (prīmus) of the preposition prae. (Compare the preposition post, with comparative …

pri•or1 (prī′ ər), adj. preceding in time or in order; earlier or former; previous: A prior agreement prevents me from accepting this. preceding in importance or privilege. Idioms prior to, preceding; before: Prior …

Some common synonyms of prior are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, and previous. While all these words mean "being before," previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but …

PRIOR meaning: 1. existing or happening before something else, or before a particular time: 2. before a…. Learn more.