Prior vs. After: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on October 8, 2023
Prior refers to existing or happening before in time; After refers to the time following an event.
Key Differences
Prior and After are terms used to reference time, specifically to point out the sequence of events. Prior is used to signify that something occurred before a certain point in time or event. It implies precedence, indicating that one event occurs before another. After, on the contrary, is used to denote that something occurs subsequently or following a certain point in time or event. It implies succession, showing that one event happens following another.
In a chronological context, using Prior would mean that the event being discussed has already happened at some point before the reference point, perhaps before the occurrence of another significant event. After would be used to discuss an event that has occurred at a point in time subsequent to the reference point, indicating that it is an ensuing event in the sequence of time.
In terms of ordering and arrangement, Prior is indicative of something being in front or ahead in order, highlighting its precedence in sequence or importance. After indicates something being behind or later in order, emphasizing its position in the sequence as coming later or being less important. Thus, Prior might refer to the position of a subject in a list or arrangement, and After might denote its position as following another subject in the same list or arrangement.
The words Prior and After are fundamental in establishing timelines, explaining sequences, and organizing thoughts and expressions. While Prior helps in setting the stage by providing a background or a reference frame, After aids in unfolding the narrative by adding subsequent details or developments.
In sum, Prior and After are temporal adverbs, where Prior is concerned with events before a point of reference, and After is concerned with events that occur following a point of reference, helping to create coherent and chronological narratives.
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Comparison Chart
Temporal Relation
Indicates that an event occurred before another
Indicates that an event occurred following another
Sequence
Shows precedence in order or occurrence
Shows succession in order or occurrence
Reference Point
Event or time before the reference point
Event or time subsequent to the reference point
Usage Context
Often used with events, actions, or times
Usually used to denote sequence of events or actions
Position
Implies being ahead or in front in sequence or arrangement
Implies being behind or later in sequence or arrangement
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Prior and After Definitions
Prior
Prior means preceding in time.
The meeting was scheduled prior to the announcement.
After
After means following in time or subsequently.
We will have lunch after the meeting.
Prior
Prior can mean earlier or previous.
He had prior experience in marketing.
After
After denotes being later in sequence or occurrence.
After the rain, there was a rainbow.
Prior
Prior refers to something that exists or comes before another.
Prior commitments prevented him from attending.
After
After is used to describe actions done to something.
Looking after the plants is her responsibility.
Prior
Prior is indicative of former or antecedent.
Her prior employer recommended her highly.
After
Behind in place or order
Z comes after Y in the alphabet.
Prior
Preceding in time or order
“[They] insist that foreign vessels seeking access obtain prior approval” (Seymour M. Hersh).
After
Next to or lower than in order or importance.
Prior
Preceding in importance or value
A prior consideration.
After
In quest or pursuit of
Seek after fame.
Go after big money.
Prior
Usage Problem Before.
After
Concerning
Asked after you.
Prior
A previous conviction or arrest
The suspect has two priors.
After
Subsequent in time to; at a later time than
Come after dinner.
Prior
A monastic officer in charge of a priory or ranking next below the abbot of an abbey.
After
Subsequent to and because of or regardless of
They are still friends after all their differences.
Prior
One of the ruling magistrates of the medieval Italian republic of Florence.
After
Following continually
Year after year.
Prior
Advance; previous; coming before.
I had no prior knowledge you were coming.
After
In the style of or in imitation of
Satires after Horace.
Prior
Former, previous.
His prior residence was smaller than his current one.
After
With the same or close to the same name as; in honor or commemoration of
Named after her mother.
Prior
(colloquial) Previously.
The doctor had known three months prior.
After
According to the nature or desires of; in conformity to
A tenor after my own heart.
Prior
A previous arrest or criminal conviction on someone's record.
After
Past the hour of
Five minutes after three.
Prior
A prior probability distribution, one based on information or belief before additional data is collected.
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
A belief supported by previous evidence or experience that one can use to make inferences about the future.
After
Behind; in the rear.
Prior
A high-ranking member of a monastery, usually lower in rank than an abbot.
After
At a later or subsequent time; afterward
Three hours after.
Departed shortly after.
Prior
(historical) A chief magistrate in Italy.
After
Subsequent in time or place; later; following
In after years.
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
Located near the stern of a vessel or the rear or an aircraft or spacecraft.
Prior
First, precedent, or superior in the order of cognition, reason or generality, origin, development, rank, etc.
After
Following or subsequent to the time that
I saw them after I arrived.
Prior
The superior of a priory, and next below an abbot in dignity.
After
Afternoon.
Prior
A chief magistrate, as in the republic of Florence in the middle ages.
After
Afters Chiefly British Dessert.
Prior
A prior conviction; - said of an accused criminal.
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.
Prior
The head of a religious order; in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot
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.
Prior
Earlier in time
After
Behind.
He will leave a trail of destruction after him.
Prior
Prior denotes something being of greater importance.
Finishing the project is a prior concern.
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
After implies in pursuit or search of.
He went after his dream and succeeded.
After
After refers to in the manner of; in imitation of.
He named his son after his father.
FAQs
Does prior refer to something that happens before?
Yes, prior refers to something that happens or exists before in time.
Is after used to denote something that happens later?
Absolutely, after denotes something that happens subsequently or following in time.
Can prior be used to describe previous experience?
Yes, prior is often used to describe experience or events that occurred before.
Can after be used to describe pursuit or search of something?
Yes, after can be used to signify being in pursuit or in search of something.
Can prior indicate greater importance?
Indeed, prior can also denote something being of greater importance or precedence.
Is prior primarily used with time-related contexts?
Yes, prior is primarily used to indicate time, showing something as preceding or earlier.
Can after imply the sequence of occurrence?
Definitely, after is used to imply the sequence or order of occurrence of events.
Can after be used to signify being behind in sequence or arrangement?
Yes, after signifies something being later or behind in sequence or arrangement.
Can after be used in naming, as in naming someone after another?
Yes, after can be used to signify naming someone in imitation of or in honor of another.
Does prior signify something being in front in order or arrangement?
Absolutely, prior signifies something being ahead or in front in sequence or arrangement.
Are prior and after temporal adverbs?
Yes, both prior and after are temporal adverbs indicating the timing of events relative to a reference point.
Can after refer to actions done to something, as in looking after?
Absolutely, after can refer to actions or responsibilities concerning something.
Can prior denote former or antecedent status?
Yes, prior can denote something being former or antecedent in status or time.
Can after aid in unfolding narratives by adding subsequent details?
Indeed, after is crucial in unfolding narratives by illustrating subsequent events or details.
Does prior help in creating chronological narratives?
Certainly, prior is fundamental in establishing timelines and creating chronological narratives.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
