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

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 …

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

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

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.

Nov 9, 2025 · prior (comparative more prior, superlative most prior) Chiefly followed by to: in advance, before, previously. synonyms quotations Synonyms: ago, hitherto The doctor had …

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.

PRIOR meaning: 1 : existing earlier in time previous; 2 : more important than something else because it came first

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, …

Prior (or prioress) is an ecclesiastical title for a superior in some religious orders. The word is derived from the Latin for "earlier" or "first". The office may head a local house, a region of …