Prior vs. After — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 19, 2024
"Prior" indicates something occurring before a specific point in time, whereas "after" refers to something happening following a specific event or time.
Difference Between Prior and After
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Prior" means before a particular event or time, indicating something that precedes another. For instance, you might prepare prior to an exam. "After," in contrast, means following a specific event or time, indicating something that happens subsequently. For example, you relax after finishing an exam.
In scheduling, "prior" events are those that happen earlier in the timeline, serving as preparation or antecedents. "After" events occur subsequently, often as consequences or results of earlier actions.
In narratives, the term "prior" sets the stage for upcoming actions, providing background or context. "After" describes the ensuing events, revealing outcomes or subsequent developments.
When discussing experiences, "prior" refers to earlier experiences that shape one's readiness or perspective. "After" refers to the outcomes or changes that occur as a result of those experiences.
In legal and formal contexts, "prior" might be used to denote previous conditions or statuses, such as prior agreements or records. "After" would then indicate subsequent statuses or conditions following a particular change or event.
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Comparison Chart
Temporal Relation
Before a specific time/event
Following a specific time/event
Use in Scheduling
Earlier in the timeline
Later in the timeline
Narrative Function
Provides background/context
Describes outcomes/developments
Experience Reference
Earlier experiences or readiness
Outcomes or changes
Legal/Formal Context
Previous conditions/status
Subsequent conditions/status
Compare with Definitions
Prior
Preceding in rank or importance.
His prior work experience made him a top candidate for the job.
After
Following in time; subsequent.
We went for dinner after the movie.
Prior
Earlier in order or importance.
The prior chapters of the book set the stage for the main plot.
After
Following in order or importance.
Her performance was scheduled after the keynote speech.
Prior
Existing or coming before in time.
She had prior commitments and couldn't attend the meeting.
After
Later in time than; in pursuit or search of.
He ran after the bus but missed it.
Prior
Preceding in sequence.
The instructions should be read prior to assembly.
After
In the time following (an event or another period of time)
After a while he returned
He'd gone out with his secretary for an after-work drink
Shortly after their marriage they moved to Colorado
Prior
Prior (or prioress) is an ecclesiastical title for a superior, usually lower in rank than an abbot or abbess. Its earlier generic usage referred to any monastic superior.
After
Behind
She went out, shutting the door after her
Prior
Preceding in time or order
“[They] insist that foreign vessels seeking access obtain prior approval” (Seymour M. Hersh).
After
In pursuit or quest of
Chasing after something you can't have
Prior
Preceding in importance or value
A prior consideration.
After
Next to and following in order or importance
In their order of priorities health comes after housing
Prior
Usage Problem Before.
After
In allusion to (someone or something with the same or a related name)
They named her Pauline, after Barbara's mother
Prior
A previous conviction or arrest
The suspect has two priors.
After
During the period of time following (an event)
Duke Frederick died soon after
Bath time ended in a flood after the taps were left running
Prior
A monastic officer in charge of a priory or ranking next below the abbot of an abbey.
After
During the period of time following (an event)
Duke Frederick died soon after
Bath time ended in a flood after the taps were left running
Prior
One of the ruling magistrates of the medieval Italian republic of Florence.
After
Later
He was sorry in after years
Prior
Advance; previous; coming before.
I had no prior knowledge you were coming.
After
Nearer the stern of a ship
The after cabin
Prior
Former, previous.
His prior residence was smaller than his current one.
After
Behind in place or order
Z comes after Y in the alphabet.
Prior
(colloquial) Previously.
The doctor had known three months prior.
After
Next to or lower than in order or importance.
Prior
A previous arrest or criminal conviction on someone's record.
After
In quest or pursuit of
Seek after fame.
Go after big money.
Prior
A prior probability distribution, one based on information or belief before additional data is collected.
After
Concerning
Asked after you.
Prior
A belief supported by previous evidence or experience that one can use to make inferences about the future.
After
Subsequent in time to; at a later time than
Come after dinner.
Prior
A high-ranking member of a monastery, usually lower in rank than an abbot.
After
Subsequent to and because of or regardless of
They are still friends after all their differences.
Prior
(historical) A chief magistrate in Italy.
After
Following continually
Year after year.
Prior
Preceding in the order of time; former; antecedent; anterior; previous; as, a prior discovery; prior obligation; - used elliptically in cases like the following: he lived alone [in the time] prior to his marriage.
After
In the style of or in imitation of
Satires after Horace.
Prior
First, precedent, or superior in the order of cognition, reason or generality, origin, development, rank, etc.
After
With the same or close to the same name as; in honor or commemoration of
Named after her mother.
Prior
The superior of a priory, and next below an abbot in dignity.
After
According to the nature or desires of; in conformity to
A tenor after my own heart.
Prior
A chief magistrate, as in the republic of Florence in the middle ages.
After
Past the hour of
Five minutes after three.
Prior
A prior conviction; - said of an accused criminal.
After
(Irish) Used with a present participle to indicate action that has just been completed
"Sure I'm after seeing him not five minutes ago" (James Joyce).
Prior
The head of a religious order; in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot
After
Behind; in the rear.
Prior
Earlier in time
After
At a later or subsequent time; afterward
Three hours after.
Departed shortly after.
Prior
More important; taking precedence.
The safety of passengers is of prior importance.
After
Subsequent in time or place; later; following
In after years.
After
Located near the stern of a vessel or the rear or an aircraft or spacecraft.
After
Following or subsequent to the time that
I saw them after I arrived.
After
Afternoon.
After
Afters Chiefly British Dessert.
After
Behind; later in time; following.
I left the room, and the dog bounded after.
They lived happily ever after.
I might come next month, or the month after.
After
Subsequently to; following in time; later than.
We had a few beers after the game.
The time is quarter after eight.
The Cold War began shortly after WWII.
After you with the salt/paper.
I told her to shut the door after her.
After
Behind.
He will leave a trail of destruction after him.
After
In pursuit of, seeking.
He's after a job; run after him; inquire after her health.
After
In allusion to, in imitation of; following or referencing.
We named him after his grandfather; a painting after Leonardo da Vinci.
After
Next in importance or rank.
The princess is next in line to the throne after the prince.
After
As a result of.
After your bad behaviour, you will be punished.
After
In spite of.
After all that has happened, he is still my friend.
I can't believe that, after all our advice against gambling, you walked into that casino!
After
Used to indicate recent completion of an activity
I was after finishing my dinner when there was a knock on the door.
After
(dated) According to an author or text.
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to.
To look after workmen; to enquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness
After
(obsolete) According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
After
Signifies that the action of the clause it starts takes place before the action of the other clause.
I went home after we had decided to call it a day.
After
(dated) Later; second (of two); next, following, subsequent
After
At or towards the stern of a ship.
The after gun is mounted aft.
The after gun is abaft the forward gun.
After
Next; later in time; subsequent; succeeding; as, an after period of life.
After
Hinder; nearer the rear.
After
Behind in place; as, men in line one after another.
After
Below in rank; next to in order.
Codrus after Ph bus sings the best.
After
Later in time; subsequent; as, after supper, after three days. It often precedes a clause. Formerly that was interposed between it and the clause.
After I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
After
Subsequent to and in consequence of; as, after what you have said, I shall be careful.
After
Subsequent to and notwithstanding; as, after all our advice, you took that course.
After
Moving toward from behind; following, in search of; in pursuit of.
Ye shall not go after other gods.
After whom is the king of Israel come out?
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to; as, to look after workmen; to inquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness.
After
In imitation of; in conformity with; after the manner of; as, to make a thing after a model; a picture after Rubens; the boy takes after his father.
Our eldest son was named George after his uncle.
After
According to; in accordance with; in conformity with the nature of; as, he acted after his kind.
He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes.
They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh.
After
According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
He takes greatness of kingdoms according to bulk and currency, and not after their intrinsic value.
After
Subsequently in time or place; behind; afterward; as, he follows after.
It was about the space of three hours after.
After
Located farther aft
After
Happening at a time subsequent to a reference time;
He apologized subsequently
He's going to the store but he'll be back here later
It didn't happen until afterward
Two hours after that
After
Behind or in the rear;
And Jill came tumbling after
After
Subsequent to and in consequence of.
The garden looked fresh after the rain.
Common Curiosities
How can "after" be used in context?
E.g., He started his new job after graduating from college.
How is "prior" used in a sentence?
E.g., We met prior to the conference to discuss our strategy.
What does "after" indicate?
"After" indicates something happening following a specific event or time.
What does "prior" mean?
"Prior" means before a specific time or event.
Can "prior" refer to importance?
Yes, it can mean something more important or taking precedence.
Is "after" always related to time?
Primarily, but it can also imply a sequence in order or importance.
How is "after" significant in narratives?
It describes events or outcomes that happen subsequently.
What is the legal use of "after"?
It indicates subsequent conditions or statuses following a particular event.
What is the opposite of "prior"?
The opposite of "prior" is "after."
Can "prior" be used in formal writing?
Yes, it is commonly used in formal and legal contexts.
How does "prior" relate to scheduling?
It refers to events or tasks scheduled earlier in time.
What is an example of "after" in daily life?
E.g., She always exercises after breakfast.
Can "prior" refer to previous experiences?
Yes, it often refers to earlier experiences or readiness.
Can "after" imply a result?
Yes, it can denote something happening as a consequence.
What is an example of "prior" in legal terms?
E.g., He has a prior conviction for theft.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
