prior1 adjectiveprior2 noun
priorpri‧or1 /ˈpraɪə $ praɪr/ ●●○ W3 AWL adjective 
WORD ORIGINprior1
Origin:
1700-1800 Latin ‘earlier, older, higher in rank’, from Latin pri ‘before’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Most applicants had no prior experience of working with children.
- Pets are permitted only by prior arrangement with the management.
- The airline says that some flights may be cancelled without prior warning.
- The phone company is required to give you prior notice before disconnecting your service.
- The tenant must get the prior consent of the landlord before doing any redecorating in the flat.
- A Class 4 transaction will normally require the prior consent of the company in a general meeting.
- Although Clinton won New Jersey in 1992, Republicans had carried the state in the six prior presidential elections.
- Indeed, some insurance companies have tried to do this by requiring prior approval for treatment.
- Johnson had two prior convictions for residential burglaries and a history of petty crimes.
- The databases often contain Social Security numbers, dates of birth and current and prior addresses.
- Vegetarian meals are provided by prior arrangement.
Longman Language Activatorbefore you do something or before something happens
before you do something or before an event happens: · The family left France just before the war.· Think carefully before you give your final answer.· Before I had a chance to say anything, David walked away.before doing something: · Before joining IBM, Frank worked for Toshiba.· You should check the oil before beginning a long car journey.before that: · We spent two years in Thailand, and before that we lived in China.· I was a waiter for six months, and before that I worked in a supermarket.a week/two days/five years etc before: · I was born just eleven months before my brother.
also ahead of time American if you do something beforehand or ahead of time , you do it before you do something else, especially to make the situation easier: · Let me know ahead of time if you need a ride to the airport.· We had agreed beforehand not to tell anyone else about our plans.
before you do something else: · Add the onions and garlic first, then the mushrooms.· "Shall we go for some lunch?" "Yeah, great, let me just make a quick call first."
if you do something in advance , you do it before another event happens, especially so that you are prepared: · Pasta salad is a dish that you can easily prepare in advance.· I wish you'd told me in advance that you were going to be late.in advance of: · Your passport application should be submitted well in advance of your departure.three days/six months/a year etc in advance: · Preparations for the president's visit had been made several months in advance.
: pre-war/pre-Christmas/pre-Roman etc before the war, Christmas etc: · Life in pre-war Britain was simpler and less fast-paced.· As usual, the government seems to have forgotten most of its pre-election promises.
formal before, especially before a particular event or date: · I spoke with Sarah prior to the meeting.prior to doing something: · The doctor should have told you about the possible side effects prior to starting you on the medication.
the time before an important event: · On the eve of the election, some of the candidates were showing signs of strain.· No-one claimed responsibility for the bombing, which occurred on the eve of the Prime Minister's visit.· Another round of TV debates will be held in the run-up to the referendum.
given or done before the time that a particular event takes place or before the time that something is expected to happen: · Aid workers say the village had no advance warning of the floods.· Advance bookings for the concert start today.· Airport visas may be obtained if forty-eight hours advance notice has been provided.
formal taking place before something else happens or before someone is allowed to do something: · The airline says that some flights may be cancelled without prior warning.· The phone company is required to give you prior notice before disconnecting your service.· The tenant must get the prior consent of the landlord before doing any redecorating in the flat.
busy when you cannot do something because you have already arranged to do something else: · "Can I speak to Nigel?" "I'm sorry, he's busy right now. Can he call you back later?"· I kept asking her to come out for a drink but for some reason she was always busy.
British spoken to have already arranged to do something, for example to meet someone or to go to a party, so that you are unable to do something else that someone has invited you to do: · Do you have anything on Saturday night?· If you're not doing anything tomorrow, you could come to the beach with us.
if you are told that someone is not available when you ask to see them or to speak to them on the telephone, you cannot see them or speak to them because they are busy doing something else: · I'm sorry, Mrs Evans isn't available at the moment. Shall I get her to call you back?
formal to have already made a definite arrangement to do something, so that you cannot do something else -- used especially when you are replying to an invitation: · I'll just check her diary, she may have a prior engagement.· Mr Lewis regrets that he is unable to attend, owing to a previous engagement.
to be busy in your job, for example because you have a lot of work to do or you have an important meeting, and therefore unable to do anything else: · I'm sorry, he's tied up at the moment. Could you call back later?· I can't see you tomorrow, I'm tied up all day.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYnouns
I was given no prior notification.
· He denied that he had prior knowledge of the robbery.
· A sale of the factory will need the prior approval of shareholders.
· We will not disclose this information without your prior agreement.
· He had no prior experience of teaching.
formal (=an event that you have already promised to attend)· The prime minister was unable to attend owing to a prior engagement.
phrases· Visitors can tour the burial tombs by prior arrangement.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=consent before you do something)· Do not take photographs of people without obtaining their prior consent.
(=happening before something is done)· New educational policies should be based on prior consultation with teachers.
(=a crime someone was found guilty of in the past)· The man had five previous convictions for being drunk and disorderly.
(=one that is already arranged)· I'm sorry I can't be there, but I have a previous engagement.
I was given no prior notification.· Workers were given no advance warning of the closure.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Then, just prior to that critical point, introduce the aversion relief element.
NOUN· The law of conspiracy is aimed at group offending, but conviction depends on proof of some prior agreement.· He said implementation of prior agreements has been delayed, and that a later date would be more realistic.
· Indeed, some insurance companies have tried to do this by requiring prior approval for treatment.· They cited internal government guidelines against talking to reporters without prior approval of agency public affairs officers.· But prior approval meant nothing when the four were bundled into lorries by 20 armed police.· Anyone should have the right to communicate in any medium without prior approval by the state.· Any proposals to grant rights to the Tamils have to get the prior approval of Buddhist monks.· The new law on association allowed citizens to form associations without prior approval of the Interior Ministry.· The new law on assembly allowed citizens to gather or hold demonstrations without prior approval from the local government.· They were angry because it was carried out unofficially - without the prior approval of the Party.
· Light snacks or full catering by prior arrangement for party bookings.· House rules: Limited smoking; pets permitted by prior arrangement and $ 10 charge.· Vegetarian meals are provided by prior arrangement.· Although many of these transactions and services already occur electronically, they require dedicated lines or prior arrangements.· A four-course dinner is available, by prior arrangement.· This procedure will be run once in any 24 hour period, unless special prior arrangements have been made.· Back stage tours by prior arrangement.· Evening meals are by prior arrangement only, and generally Marypen likes to cook for her guests three times a week.
· You have a prior claim on him.· Bondholders, on the other hand, have a prior claim on the firm.· Ace had a prior claim on the Doctor's affections.
· All the trustee's significant administrative powers required the prior consent of the settlor.· A Class 4 transaction will normally require the prior consent of the company in a general meeting.· None of these will be documented without prior consent.
· The Lord Chancellor's proposals to cut eligibility for legal aid were put forward with no prior consultation.· The federal government could be committed to a tax expenditure quickly without prior consultation.· The distinction is borne out by the Report's own reference to the disclosure of information, and prior consultation on redundancy.· But the local football authorities will protest at any attempt to transmit live football without prior consultation with them.
· Scepticism is dogmatic when assent is withheld on the basis of prior conviction without considering the evidence.· Johnson had two prior convictions for residential burglaries and a history of petty crimes.
· Mr Kissinger refused to appear in court, saying he had a prior engagement.· The minister kept him waiting two hours, then two days, then remembered a pressing prior engagement.
· If at all possible, prospective students should have prior experience of veterinary practice and of agriculture.· Accordingly, differences in prior experiences can contribute to individual differences in intellectual development.· Newborn chicks will peck at an adult gull's bill - or even a model of one - without any prior experience.· It would force many local governments to enter technical and legal areas in which they had little or no prior experience.· This gave them a new experience of evaporation, as well as time to draw on their prior experiences.· For each executive, biographical statements may be available about various managers to reveal education and prior experience.· Yet given the strong influence of prior experience on our personalities, how flexible can we expect people to be?
· In many academic disciplines no prior knowledge is required or assumed.· People are free to choose what they believe, but freedom to choose depends on prior knowledge of the choices.· Mr Mugabe has denied prior knowledge of the land seizures, although he said the government welcomed and supported the occupations.· Explanatory sketches, diagrams, and photographs substitute for equations and help make up for lack of prior knowledge of other sciences.· Although some prior knowledge of programming and/or statistics is an advantage, it is not a prerequisite for the course.· Attorneys for the two men said they left voluntarily and had no prior knowledge of the accounting fraud.· The police had been excluded from prior knowledge of the arrests, but quickly built up an accurate picture.· Which is to say, we had prior knowledge of those matters.
· Applicants, providing that they are eligible to enrol on the programmes, may gain credits in respect of recognised qualifications and/or prior learning.
· However, given prior notice, they will accommodate guests' needs.· Boudiaf had met the leaders of eight opposition parties on Feb. 9 in order to give them prior notice of the measures.· Packed lunches are available but please give prior notice.· I understand the Campaign for Real Ale Limited may change the amount only after giving me prior notice.· That is why he gave the City prior notice of measures that will come into effect in April, 1994.· That is the reason why I gave the Prime Minister prior notice of the question.
· No food or drink is allowed into an examination without prior permission from the senior invigilator. 13.· In case of doubt, the prior permission of the employer, or his responsible manager should be obtained.· The United Kingdom does not require prior permission, if reciprocity is accorded.· With prior permission, access can normally now be gained to the aircraft by the general public.· Commercial photographers need prior permission from the Regional Office. 5.
· In order to invoke the rule against prior restraint, the defendant must state on affidavit his intention to justify the allegation.· The presumption should be in favor of publication and transmission rather than suppression or prior restraint, no matter what the medium.· Otherwise, the rule against prior restraint must prevail in libel actions.· An injunction imposes prior restraint, by stopping presses from rolling and film from running.
· However, Mrs. Buttigieg claimed that there had been no prior warnings to indicate that changes would take place over the weekend.· Living with giddiness An attack may be totally sudden or there may be prior warning.· This may take place during your stay and prior warning may not be given.· At present the Chancellor has nine days' prior warning of the crucial retail price figures.· You can imagine my surprise, then, when Pikey, without prior warning, started to hum like a top.
· These losses largely relate to 1991 and prior years and to discontinued business.· Net losses from prior years may be carried forward. 5.· Previously these costs were charged to the provision set up in prior years for the write-down on the withdrawal from property development.· After all, the government issued those bonds in prior years.· I have talked to lady presidents of prior years who have said that they did not experience any difficulties.· Actual outlays would increase at about 20 percent as spending programs approved by Congress in prior years go into effect.· This deficit was funded by the use of surpluses earned in prior years.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
1existing or arranged before something else or before the present situation SYN previous: - At present the Chancellor has nine days' prior warning of the crucial retail price figures.
- Boudiaf had met the leaders of eight opposition parties on Feb. 9 in order to give them prior notice of the measures.
- However, given prior notice, they will accommodate guests' needs.
- However, Mrs. Buttigieg claimed that there had been no prior warnings to indicate that changes would take place over the weekend.
- Living with giddiness An attack may be totally sudden or there may be prior warning.
- Packed lunches are available but please give prior notice.
- This may take place during your stay and prior warning may not be given.
- When faced with similar situations in the future, why not give yourself prior warning by asking the following question?
- Prior to 1492, no human in the Old World had ever eaten corn.
- They're planning to talk to Joe prior to the meeting.
- Ace had a prior claim on the Doctor's affections.
- Bondholders, on the other hand, have a prior claim on the firm.
- You have a prior claim on him.
You do not need any prior knowledge of the subject. Changes may not be made without the prior approval of the council. Vegetarian meals are provided by prior agreement. Some prior experience with the software is needed.2prior warning/notice a warning or announcement made before something happens: The society must give customers prior notice before changing the cost. The bomb exploded without any prior warning.3prior to something formal before: All the arrangements should be completed prior to your departure.4prior claim a person’s right to something which is considered more important than another person’s right to the same thing: His own children have a prior claim to the business.COLLOCATIONSnounsprior knowledge· He denied that he had prior knowledge of the robbery.prior approval/consent/permission· A sale of the factory will need the prior approval of shareholders.prior agreement· We will not disclose this information without your prior agreement.prior experience· He had no prior experience of teaching.a prior engagement formal (=an event that you have already promised to attend)· The prime minister was unable to attend owing to a prior engagement.phrasesby prior arrangement· Visitors can tour the burial tombs by prior arrangement.prior1 adjectiveprior2 noun
priorprior2 noun [countable] WORD ORIGINprior2
Origin:
1-2 1900-2000 ➔ PRIOR13 1000-1100 Medieval Latin, Latin (adjective); ➔ PRIOR1EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- After education at Oxford, he became the greatest of all the priors at Bridlington.
- Ideally, eligibility for membership and the verification thereof should have been established prior to the process of resettlement commencing.
WORD SETS
abbess, nounabbey, nounabbot, nounabsolution, nounAdvent, nounalleluia, interjectionaltar boy, nounAnglican, nounAnglo-Catholic, nounapocalyptic, adjectiveapostle, nounapostolic, adjectivearchbishop, nounarchbishopric, nounarchdeacon, nounarchdiocese, nounArk of the Covenant, nounAsh Wednesday, nounAuthorized Version, banns, nounbaptism, nounBaptist, nounbaptize, verbbasilica, nounbeadle, nounbeatify, verbBenedictine, nounbenediction, nounbenefice, nounbiblical, adjectivebiretta, nounbishop, nounbishopric, nounblaspheme, verbblasphemy, nounbrother, nounbull, nounCalvinism, nounCalvinist, adjectivecanon, nouncanonical, adjectivecanonize, verbcanon law, nouncantor, nouncardinal, nouncardinal sin, nouncarol, nouncatechism, nouncathedral, nounCatholic, adjectivechantry, nounchapel, nounchaplain, nounchaplaincy, nounchapter, nounchapterhouse, nouncherub, nounChrist, nounchristen, verbChristendom, nounchristening, nounChristian, nounChristian, adjectivechurch, nounchurchgoer, nounchurchman, nounChurch of England, nounchurchwarden, nounchurchwoman, nounchurchyard, nounclergyman, nounclergywoman, nouncleric, nounclerical, adjectiveclerk, nouncloister, nouncollect, nouncommandment, nouncommunicant, nouncompline, nounconfess, verbconfession, nounconfessional, nounconfessor, nounconfirmation, nouncongregation, nounCongregationalism, nounconsecrate, verbcope, nouncreationist, nouncreche, nouncrib, nouncrosier, nouncrozier, nouncrucifix, nouncrucifixion, nouncrusade, nouncrusade, verbcrypt, nouncuracy, nouncurate, noundeacon, noundeaconess, noundean, noundeanery, noundiocese, noundisciple, noundisestablish, verbdispensation, noundog collar, nounDominican, nounEaster, nounecclesiastic, nounecclesiastical, adjectiveecumenical, adjectiveEden, nounelder, nounencyclical, nounEpiphany, nounepiscopal, adjectiveEpistle, nounevangelical, adjectiveevangelist, nounevangelize, verbevensong, nounexcommunicate, verbexegesis, nounfellowship, nounflagellant, nounflagellate, verbflock, nounfont, nounFr, friar, nounfrock, nounfundamentalist, noungargoyle, noungenuflect, verbgodfather, nounGod-fearing, adjectivegodless, adjectivegodly, adjectivegodmother, noungodparent, noungodson, nounGood Friday, noungrace, noungracious, adjectiveHail Mary, nounharvest festival, nounHigh Church, nounHigh Mass, nounHoly Communion, nounHoly Father, nounHoly Spirit, nounHoly Week, nounHoly Writ, nounhomily, nounhymn book, nounimprimatur, nounincarnation, nouninduct, verbindulgence, nouninquisitor, nouninterdenominational, adjectiveinterdict, nounJehovah, Jesuit, nounJesus, judgment day, nounlay, adjectivelay reader, nounlectern, nounlesson, nounlitany, nounLow Church, nounlychgate, nounMadonna, nounmanna, nounmanse, nounmatins, nounmeeting-house, nounmessianic, adjectiveMethodist, nounminister, nounministerial, adjectiveministry, nounminster, nounmiracle, nounmissal, nounmissionary, nounmitre, nounmoderator, nounMonsignor, nounMorning Prayer, nounmortal sin, nounMother of God, nounMother Superior, nounname day, nounNativity, nounNativity play, nounnave, nounNegro spiritual, nounNoah's ark, nounNonconformist, adjectivenuncio, nounoffertory, nounoratory, nounordination, nounoriginal sin, nounOur Father, nounOur Lady, Our Lord, padre, nounPalm Sunday, nounpapacy, nounpapal, adjectivepapist, nounparable, nounparish, nounparish church, nounparish clerk, nounparishioner, nounparochial, adjectiveparochial school, nounparson, nounparsonage, nounpassion play, nounpastor, nounpatriarch, nounpatron saint, nounpenance, nounpenitent, nounPentecost, nounPentecostal, adjectiveperdition, nounPlymouth Brethren, nounpontiff, nounpontifical, adjectivepontificate, nounPope, nounprayer book, nounpredestination, nounprelate, nounPresbyterian, nounpresbytery, nounpriest, nounPrimate, nounprior, nounprioress, nounpriory, nounPromised Land, the, Protestant, nounpsalm, nounpsalmist, nounpsalter, nounpulpit, nounQuaker, nounRC, rector, nounrectory, nounredeem, verbredemption, nounrequiem, nounRev, Revd, Reverend, nounReverend Mother, nounrevival, nounrevival meeting, nounRoman Catholic, adjectiverood screen, nounrosary, nounsacrament, nounsacristan, nounsacristy, nounsaint, nounsainted, adjectivesainthood, nounsaint's day, nounsalvation, nounsanctuary, nounSatan, nounsave, verbschism, nounscriptural, adjectivesecular, adjectivesee, nounseminary, nounseraph, nounsermon, nounsexton, nounShrove Tuesday, nounsister, nounsisterhood, nounSJ, special licence, nounsteeple, nounstigmata, nounstoup, nounSunday school, nounsurplice, nounsynod, nountabernacle, nountestify, verbtransubstantiation, nounTrappist, noununfrock, verbUnitarian, nounvenial, adjectivevespers, nounvestment, nounvestry, nounvicar, nounvicarage, nounvotive, adjectivevow, nounVulgate, the, nounWhitsun, nounwimple, nounXmas, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES I was given no prior notification.
1the man in charge of a priory2the priest next in rank to the person in charge of an abbey3informal a previous occasion when someone was found guilty of a crime: (=consent before you do something)· Do not take photographs of people without obtaining their prior consent.
(=happening before something is done)· New educational policies should be based on prior consultation with teachers.
(=a crime someone was found guilty of in the past)· The man had five previous convictions for being drunk and disorderly.
(=one that is already arranged)· I'm sorry I can't be there, but I have a previous engagement.
I was given no prior notification.· Workers were given no advance warning of the closure.
two priors for homicide- balance beam
- balanced
- balance of payments
- balance of power
- balance of trade
- balance sheet
- Balanchine, George
- balancing act
- Balboa, Vasco Nuñez de
- balconing
- balcony
- bald
- bald eagle
- balderdash
- bald-faced
- balding
- baldly
- baldness
- Baldwin, James
- Baldwin, Stanley
- baldy
- bale
- Balearic Islands
- baleful
- balefully