prior to
在…之前before
The will was made two days prior to his death.遗嘱是在他死亡前两天立的。
I saw him prior to leaving.离开前我见到了他。
The duty to protect my sister is prior to all others.保护我的妹妹是我最重要的责任。

用作定语
▲～+n.
 I have a prior engagement at five.我已经先有一个在五点钟的约会。
She gave up her job as she felt her family had a prior claim to her attention.由于感到家里更需要她关心,所以她放弃了工作。

［派生词］ prioritize  v.使优先
［同义词］   earlier, former, previous
［反义词］   after
［词源］＜拉丁语prior(在前的,使先于…的)