Prior vs. After: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Oct 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Temporal Relation
Indicates that an event occurred before another
Indicates that an event occurred following another
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Sequence
Shows precedence in order or occurrence
Shows succession in order or occurrence
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Reference Point
Event or time before the reference point
Event or time subsequent to the reference point
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Usage Context
Often used with events, actions, or times
Usually used to denote sequence of events or actions
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Position
Implies being ahead or in front in sequence or arrangement
Implies being behind or later in sequence or arrangement
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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Prior and After Definitions
Prior
Prior means preceding in time.
The meeting was scheduled prior to the announcement.
Sara Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
After
After means following in time or subsequently.
We will have lunch after the meeting.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
Prior can mean earlier or previous.
He had prior experience in marketing.
Sara Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
After
After denotes being later in sequence or occurrence.
After the rain, there was a rainbow.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
Prior refers to something that exists or comes before another.
Prior commitments prevented him from attending.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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After
After is used to describe actions done to something.
Looking after the plants is her responsibility.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
Prior is indicative of former or antecedent.
Her prior employer recommended her highly.
Janet White
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
Preceding in time or order
“[They] insist that foreign vessels seeking access obtain prior approval” (Seymour M. Hersh).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
A monastic officer in charge of a priory or ranking next below the abbot of an abbey.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
Subsequent to and because of or regardless of
They are still friends after all their differences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
One of the ruling magistrates of the medieval Italian republic of Florence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
Advance; previous; coming before.
I had no prior knowledge you were coming.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
With the same or close to the same name as; in honor or commemoration of
Named after her mother.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
According to the nature or desires of; in conformity to
A tenor after my own heart.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
A prior probability distribution, one based on information or belief before additional data is collected.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
A belief supported by previous evidence or experience that one can use to make inferences about the future.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
A high-ranking member of a monastery, usually lower in rank than an abbot.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
At a later or subsequent time; afterward
Three hours after.
Departed shortly after.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
Located near the stern of a vessel or the rear or an aircraft or spacecraft.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
First, precedent, or superior in the order of cognition, reason or generality, origin, development, rank, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
The head of a religious order; in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
Prior
Prior denotes something being of greater importance.
Finishing the project is a prior concern.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
In pursuit of, seeking.
He's after a job; run after him; inquire after her health.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
In allusion to, in imitation of; following or referencing.
We named him after his grandfather; a painting after Leonardo da Vinci.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
Next in importance or rank.
The princess is next in line to the throne after the prince.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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!
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
Used to indicate recent completion of an activity
I was after finishing my dinner when there was a knock on the door.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to.
To look after workmen; to enquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
(obsolete) According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
At or towards the stern of a ship.
The after gun is mounted aft.
The after gun is abaft the forward gun.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
Next; later in time; subsequent; succeeding; as, an after period of life.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
Subsequent to and in consequence of; as, after what you have said, I shall be careful.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
Subsequent to and notwithstanding; as, after all our advice, you took that course.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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?
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to; as, to look after workmen; to inquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
Subsequently in time or place; behind; afterward; as, he follows after.
It was about the space of three hours after.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
After implies in pursuit or search of.
He went after his dream and succeeded.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 29, 2023
After
After refers to in the manner of; in imitation of.
He named his son after his father.
Janet White
Sep 29, 2023
FAQs
Does prior refer to something that happens before?
Yes, prior refers to something that happens or exists before in time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Is after used to denote something that happens later?
Absolutely, after denotes something that happens subsequently or following in time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Can prior be used to describe previous experience?
Yes, prior is often used to describe experience or events that occurred before.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Can prior indicate greater importance?
Indeed, prior can also denote something being of greater importance or precedence.
Sara Rehman
Oct 08, 2023
Is prior primarily used with time-related contexts?
Yes, prior is primarily used to indicate time, showing something as preceding or earlier.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Can after imply the sequence of occurrence?
Definitely, after is used to imply the sequence or order of occurrence of events.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 08, 2023
Can after be used to signify being behind in sequence or arrangement?
Yes, after signifies something being later or behind in sequence or arrangement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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.
Sara Rehman
Oct 08, 2023
Does prior signify something being in front in order or arrangement?
Absolutely, prior signifies something being ahead or in front in sequence or arrangement.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 08, 2023
Are prior and after temporal adverbs?
Yes, both prior and after are temporal adverbs indicating the timing of events relative to a reference point.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 08, 2023
Can after refer to actions done to something, as in looking after?
Absolutely, after can refer to actions or responsibilities concerning something.
Sara Rehman
Oct 08, 2023
Can prior denote former or antecedent status?
Yes, prior can denote something being former or antecedent in status or time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Can after aid in unfolding narratives by adding subsequent details?
Indeed, after is crucial in unfolding narratives by illustrating subsequent events or details.
Janet White
Oct 08, 2023
Does prior help in creating chronological narratives?
Certainly, prior is fundamental in establishing timelines and creating chronological narratives.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
