26984 words

prior

7 definitions • 14 examples
1
existing or happening before something else, or before a particular time:

Examples:

The course required no prior knowledge of Spanish.
They had to refuse the dinner invitation because of a prior engagement (= something already planned for that time).
2
before a particular time or event:

Examples:

the weeks prior to her death
3
more important:

Examples:

Mothers with young children have a prior claim on funds.
4
a man who is in charge of a priory or who is second in charge of an abbey
5
coming before in time, order, or importance:

Examples:

She denied prior knowledge of the meeting.
Passengers may board the plane twenty minutes prior to (= before) departure.
6
existing or happening before something else:

Examples:

Operating earnings were $71 million, compared with a loss of $111 million in the prior year.
Do not publish these figures without prior authorization from the Board.
Applicants should have prior experience of the pharmaceutical sector.
give/receive prior notice (of sth) According to the law, the finance ministry should have been given prior notice, which it did not get.
7
before something else:

Examples:

It is vital that boards, management, and shareholders fully appreciate the risks and rewards prior to any merger.
She was vice president of business operations for three years prior to becoming commissioner.

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