existing or coming before in time, order, or importance, a previous conviction or arrest

prior to, prior restraint, prior knowledge

Formal and Informal Expressions of prior

In different contexts, you can replace 'prior' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'previous, earlier' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'past, old' is a commonplace synonym.

prior: Explore its Definition & Usage

prior Definition

1existing or coming before in time, order, or importance
2a previous conviction or arrest

Using prior: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "prior" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The company had a prior agreement with the supplier.
Example
I have a prior engagement that day.
Example
The suspect had a prior criminal record.
Example
The prior chapter discussed the history of the conflict.

prior Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for prior

Antonyms for prior

Phrases with prior

prior to
before a particular time or event
Example
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.
prior restraint
government censorship of information before it is published or broadcast
Example
The Supreme Court ruled that prior restraint of the press is unconstitutional.
prior knowledge
information or understanding that one has before an event or situation
Example
The teacher accused the student of having prior knowledge of the test questions.

Origins of prior

from Latin 'prior', meaning 'former, previous'

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Summary: prior in Brief

The term 'prior' [ˈpraɪər] refers to something existing or coming before in time, order, or importance. It can refer to a previous conviction or arrest. Examples include 'The company had a prior agreement with the supplier.' and 'The suspect had a prior criminal record.' 'Prior' extends into phrases like 'prior to,' denoting before a particular time or event, and 'prior knowledge,' referring to information or understanding that one has before an event or situation.