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

Simpler drones could be purchased by anyone, so a priority is to trace them back to the operator.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In response, Alexander said there was always speculation in the run-up to Budgets but the chancellor had been clear about her priorities.

Read more on BBC

As CEO of Amazon, Bezos felt that his priority was the company he founded.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It needs to refocus its priorities on strategic economic issues going forward, he said, noting "difficulties" in the G20 finding common approaches to armed conflicts around the world.

Read more on Barron's

They have been brainwashed into thinking it's not just 'the right way' to play, it's also 'the only way' - but there are many pitfalls to this approach and my priorities were always very different.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• arrangement 
• preference