Etymology Map
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Prior

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means existing before

Where does the word "prior" come from? It comes from Latin prior, adopted directly into English (1700s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
prior
Latin · ancient
"former, superior"
comparative of an old word for 'before'
2
Stage 2 of 2
prior
English · 1700s
"earlier"
a monastery's 'prior' is the same word
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Read the full story

Prior’s story begins in Latin: prior meant “former, superior.” Comparative of an old word for 'before'. It reached English by 1700s as prior. A monastery's 'prior' is the same word. Today, prior means existing before.