prior to

preposition

: in advance of : before

Usage 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

Synonyms

• afore [chiefly dialect]
• ahead of
• before
• ere
• fore [chiefly dialect]
• 'fore
• of
• previous to
• to

Examples of prior to in a Sentence

make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication

Recent Examples on the Web

Healey's office says that the administration will hold a community meeting prior to its opening in order to answer questions and connect with community members who want to provide sports, arts and music programming for the children in shelters. —Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 18 May 2024

As a result, Munn also underwent an egg retrieval prior to have the option to grow her and Mulaney’s family. —Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 16 May 2024

Several additives used prior to 1958 have been grandfathered into the GRAS category without having to meet any specific standards largely because they haven’t been linked to adverse outcomes. —Kayla Hui, Verywell Health, 16 May 2024

The preliminary report details the chaotic moments prior to the bridge collapse while crew members scrambled to address a series of electrical failures that came in quick succession as disaster loomed. —Lea Skene, Fortune, 15 May 2024

Officers spoke to witnesses and learned that prior to the shooting hundreds of people had gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of a motorcycle club. Evidence, including video surveillance, showed that Johns was shot as two groups exchanged gunfire from opposite sides of the street. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 15 May 2024

Life jackets are required for all guests unless a swim test is completed, and each guest is required to sign a waiver prior to swimming. —Alexandra Maloney, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2024

Vazquez-Gongora, who turned 18 less than a month prior to the crash, is slated to be sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison in August. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2024

One bright spot for the Conservatives was the result in Tees Valley, which prior to Brexit had been a traditional Labour stronghold. —Pan Pylas, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

prior to

preposition

: in advance of : before