How to pronounce prior
Say it like PRY-er. Prior has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce prior. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PRY
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Prior pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PRYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of prior
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PRY-uh.
What does prior mean?
- earlier in time
- the head of a religious order; in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot
Where does prior come from?
The adverb and noun are derived from the adjective.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with prior
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of prior.
Questions about saying prior
How do you pronounce prior?
Say PRY-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈpraɪɚ/. In British English it is /ˈpraɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in prior?
Prior has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRY). Broken into parts: PRY · er.
Is prior pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpraɪə/ (PRY-uh).