prior

/prior/

Thân thiện

The team discussed the prior version of the document.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Earlier in time or order: Existing or occurring before something else in time, sequence, or importance.
   • Preceding in importance or claim: Taking precedence because of greater importance or an earlier claim.

2. Noun:

   • The head of a religious house or order: In certain religious communities, especially in Christian monastic orders, the officer in charge of a priory, ranking below an abbot.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:

  • Do you have any prior experience in this field? (This asks about experience gained before the present time.)
  • A prior engagement prevents me from attending. (This refers to an appointment or commitment made earlier.)
  • This task has prior claim on our resources. (This indicates this task is more important or has an earlier right.)

• Noun:

  • The prior led the monks in daily prayer. (This refers to the head of the monastic community.)
  • She was appointed prior of the small convent. (This describes someone being given the leadership role.)

Advanced Usage

• "Prior to" (Prepositional phrase): Before a particular time or event.

  • Prior to the meeting, please review the documents. (This means 'before the meeting'.)
  • The software was tested prior to its public release. (This means 'before its release'.)

• "Without prior notice": Without advance warning or announcement.

  • The policy can change without prior notice. (This means changes can happen without warning beforehand.)

Variants and Related Words

• Priority (n): The condition of being more important or of coming before others.
  • Safety is our top priority.
• Prioritize (v): To arrange or deal with in order of importance.
  • You must learn to prioritize your tasks.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Previous, earlier, former, preceding, antecedent.
• Noun: Superior, head, chief (in a religious context).

Antonyms

• Adjective: Subsequent, later, following, future.
• Noun: Subordinate (in a general sense; no direct religious antonym for 'prior' as a title).

Notes on Usage

• As an adjective, prior often implies a direct relationship or comparison to something that comes after. It is more formal than "before" or "earlier."
• The phrase "prior to" is a formal equivalent of the preposition "before." In everyday speech, "before" is more common.
• As a noun, prior is a specific title within religious hierarchies and is not used in general contexts to mean "a person who comes before."

Học thuật

Adjective

1. earlier in time

Noun

1. the head of a religious order; in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot

Từ đồng nghĩa

• anterior
• prior