prior

Existing or happening before another time or event.

• No prior experience is needed.
• They entered the building without prior permission.
• Did anyone have prior knowledge of the plan?

Similar words: previous, earlier, preceding

Opposites: subsequent, later

Common phrases: prior knowledge, prior experience, prior permission, prior notice

At an earlier time, before the time being discussed.

• They had met a year prior.
• He had heard the news several days prior.
• The letter had arrived two weeks prior.

How to use it: a period of time + prior (She had left three days prior.)

Similar words: earlier, previously, before

Opposites: later, afterwards

Common phrases: days prior, months prior, years prior, shortly prior

Before a particular event, action, or time.

• Please call prior to arrival.
• She checked the figures prior to signing the contract.
• The building was empty prior to the renovation.

How to use it: prior to something (Payment is required prior to delivery.); prior to doing something (Read the instructions prior to using the machine.)

Similar words: before, ahead of

Opposites: after

Common phrases: prior to something, prior to arrival, prior to departure, prior to signing