prior vs previous
Definitions
noun
- the head of a religious order; in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot
adjective
- earlier in time
Examples
Prior to the 19th century, the region's social structure - outside of a few major cities, including Baghdad - was organized primarily around relatively isolated tribal confederations.
But in a world where grooming students for a career and making the arts responsive to business are key government priorities, a little artistic vision goes a long way.
Fun is the secret ingredient of a lot of great companies, but 10 years of economic prosperity, a resurgent stock market, and the dawning of the dot-com have created other business priorities.
Definitions
adjective
- (used especially of persons) of the immediate past
- just preceding something else in time or order
- too soon or too hasty
Examples
Consumers get incredibly upset when dieticians and researchers backtrack on previous findings, proclaiming that products once deemed healthy are now in question.
The recession blindsided a lot of lawyers who had previously taken for granted their comfortable income.
Added to which there is a large increase in the fees receivable in 1994 to a level of almost £123,000 which accounts for the large increase in the gross profit over the previous and subsequent years.
