priority

[prahy-awr-i-tee, -or-]

noun

plural

priorities 

1. the state or quality of being earlier in time, occurrence, etc.

2. the right to precede others in order, rank, privilege, etc.; precedence.

3. the right to take precedence in obtaining certain supplies, services, facilities, etc., especially during a shortage.

4. something given special attention.

adjective

1. highest or higher in importance, rank, privilege, etc..

   a priority task.

priority

/ praɪˈɒrɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being prior; antecedence; precedence

2. the right of precedence over others

3. something given specified attention

   my first priority

Other Word Forms

• nonpriority adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of priority¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French priorite, from Medieval Latin priōritās; prior ¹, -ity

Example Sentences

The SNP councillor for Langside wants the UK government to step in but is at pains to stress that refugees do not have priority over anyone else.

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Mr Burton's evidence noted that children's procedures being seen "as less of a priority compared to, for example, adult cancer treatment" was one of the reasons for the rise in children's waiting lists size.

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“German expressionism has always been something of an outlier in terms of American museum exhibition and collecting priorities,” Jane said.

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"However, our priority is always the health and wellbeing of people experiencing care."

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She emphasized that her priority was protecting real victims and said her bill didn’t change the burden of proof.

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Related Words

• arrangement 
• preference