previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

PRIOR definition: 1. existing or happening before something else, or before a particular time: 2. before a…. Learn more.

Define prior. prior synonyms, prior pronunciation, prior translation, English dictionary definition of prior. adj. 1. Preceding in time or order: " insist that foreign vessels seeking access obtain prior …

PRIOR definition: preceding in time or in order; earlier or former; previous. See examples of prior used in a sentence.

6 days ago · This adjective has no positive form; rather, it serves as the comparative (prior) and superlative (prīmus) of the preposition prae. (Compare the preposition post, with comparative …

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun prior, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

pri•or1 (prī′ ər), adj. preceding in time or in order; earlier or former; previous: A prior agreement prevents me from accepting this. preceding in importance or privilege. Idioms prior to, …

Prior definition: Preceding in time or order.

OED's earliest evidence for prior is from 1607, in the writing of Barnabe Barnes, poet and playwright. It is also recorded as a noun from the Old English period (pre-1150).

PRIOR meaning: 1. existing or happening before something else, or before a particular time: 2. before a…. Learn more.