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

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

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

Usage Note: Though prior usually modifies a noun that comes after it, as in prior approval, it sometimes modifies a noun for a unit of time which precedes it, as in five years prior.

Dec 26, 2025 · 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 …

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, …

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.

Prior Lake is a premier recreational community in the Twin Cities, featuring more than 50 parks on 1,000 acres, with over 100 miles of trails and sidewalks and 14 lakes.

Prior Lake (renamed after Charles Prior, of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad) is made up of two sections, Upper Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake. The area of each is 354 and 810 …

Navigate the Cigna Healthcare precertification process, and ensure your patients receive timely care by understanding our prior authorization requirements.