{
    "term": "prior",
    "partOfSpeech": "adjective",
    "academic": true,
    "ox5000": true,
    "cefr": "b2",
    "definitions": [
        {
            "senseNumber": 1,
            "definition": "happening or existing before something else or before a particular time",
            "cefr": "b2",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Although not essential, some **prior knowledge** of statistics is desirable."
                },
                {
                    "text": "This information must not be disclosed without **prior written consent**."
                },
                {
                    "text": "Visits are by **prior arrangement**."
                },
                {
                    "text": "Please give us **prior notice** if you need an evening meal."
                },
                {
                    "text": "She will be unable to attend because of a **prior engagement**."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 2,
            "definition": "already existing and therefore more important",
            "cefr": "b2",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "They have a **prior claim** to the property."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 3,
            "definition": "before something",
            "cefr": "b2",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "during the week prior to the meeting"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "pronunciations": {
        "uk": [
            {
                "pronunciation": "/ˈpraɪə(r)/",
                "audio": "pr/prior/prior__gb_1.mp3"
            }
        ],
        "us": [
            {
                "pronunciation": "/ˈpraɪər/",
                "audio": "pr/prior/prior__us_1.mp3"
            }
        ]
    },
    "wordOrigin": "adjective early 18th cent.: from Latin, literally ‘former, elder’, related to prae ‘before’."
}