Prior

/ˈpraɪər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who is in charge of a monastery or convent.

The prior welcomed the visitors to the monastery.

adjective

Existing or occurring before in time.

She had no prior experience in the field before starting her new job.

Earlier in rank, importance, or order.

The prior commitments prevented him from attending the meeting.

Occurring before something else.

The changes will take effect prior to the launch of the new product.

From Latin 'prior' meaning 'former, previous'.

prior to:

Before a specified time or event.

prior engagement:

A commitment or appointment that has already been scheduled.

prior knowledge:

Knowledge that was acquired before a particular time.

A former partner or friend.

I can't believe I saw my prior at the party; it was so awkward!

A prior reference to someone or something.

He mentioned his prior in that last meeting, which led to confusion.