prior to

preposition

Definition of PRIOR TO

: in advance of : before

See prior to defined for kids

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>.

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

Learn More About PRIOR TO

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "prior to"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "prior to"

Nglish: Translation of "prior to" for Spanish speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: prioryPrevious Word in the Dictionary: prior restraintAll 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).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site