# PRI

/ˈpɹaɪ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pri
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He has a prior to the meeting." but "He has a prior commitment." — Learners often confuse the noun 'prior' (a religious leader) with the adjective 'prior' (meaning previous or earlier).

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.