prior to
/ˈpraɪ.ər tuː/phrase★Intermediate
formal
Before in time; preceding
The contract was signed prior to the merger.
The contract was signed before the merger.
Please submit your application prior to the deadline.
Please submit your application before the deadline.
💡
Often used in formal or legal contexts to indicate a sequence of events.
Collocations
prior to the meetingbefore the meetingprior to the deadlinebefore the deadlineprior to the eventbefore the event
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
subsequent tophrase
after in time
prior to thatphrase
before that event or time
💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'prior to' in formal writing or legal contexts. In casual speech, 'before' is more common.
⚡Gold Rule
Time Sequence
'Prior to' always indicates that one event happened before another.
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'prior' (earlier) and 'to' (directional preposition). Combined to form a phrase indicating precedence in time.
📝Usage Notes
Common in formal writing, legal documents, and professional contexts. Can sometimes be replaced with 'before' in casual speech.
Word Breakdown
prior
earlier
adjectiveto
directional preposition
prepositionEnglish Dictionary