ENGLISH
REFERENCE

PRI

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈpɹaɪ// pri

n. a religious person who is in charge of a small group of monks or a religious house. This person is usually the second most important leader in a large monastery.

n. the superior of a religious house or monastery, ranking immediately below an abbot. In certain religious orders, it refers to the head of a smaller house or a specific branch of the community.


Usage

Often used as a title before a name, such as 'Prior Thomas'.

Pitfall

He has a prior to the meeting.He has a prior commitment.Learners often confuse the noun 'prior' (a religious leader) with the adjective 'prior' (meaning previous or earlier).

© 2026 English Reference