prior to
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


prior to

preposition

Definition of PRIOR TO

: in advance of : before

Usage Discussion of PRIOR TO

Sometimes termed pompous or affected, prior to is a synonym of before that most often appears in rather formal contexts, such as the annual reports of corporations. It may occasionally emphasize the notion of anticipation <page makeup decisions are verified and approved prior to typesetting — Publishers Weekly>.

Examples of PRIOR TO

  1. <make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication>

First Known Use of PRIOR TO

1706

Related to PRIOR TO

Synonyms
afore [chiefly dialect], ahead of, ere, fore (also 'fore) [chiefly dialect], of, previous to, before, to
Antonyms
after, following

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: priory
Previous Word in the Dictionary: prior restraint
All Words Near: prior to

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up prior to? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

#6: Flabbergast
: to overwhelm with shock,
surprise, or wonder
See All Top 25 Entries »
Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More