Prior vs Formal - What's the difference?
prior | formal |
Of that which comes before, in advance.
former, previous
A high-ranking member of a monastery, usually lower in rank than an abbot.
* 1939 , (Raymond Chandler), The Big Sleep , Penguin 2011, p. 53:
(statistics) In Bayesian inference, a prior probability distribution.
Being in accord with established forms.
:
Official.
:
Relating to the form or structure of something.
:
*
Relating to formation.
:
Ceremonial.
:(rfquote-sense)
Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual.
:
Organized; well-structured and planned.
:
(mathematics) Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.
:
Formalin.
An evening gown.
An event with a formal dress code.
As nouns the difference between prior and formal
is that prior is prior (high-ranking member of a monastery) while formal is an objective.prior
English
Adjective
(-)- I had no prior knowledge you were coming.
- His prior residence was smaller than his current one.
Usage notes
The etymological antonym is (m) (from Latin) (compare (m)/(m) for “first/last”). This is now no longer used, however, and there is no corresponding antonym. Typically either (m) or (m) are used, but these form different pairs – (m)/(m) and (m)/(m) – and are more formal than prior . When an opposing pair is needed, these can be used, or other pairs such as (m)/(m) or (m)/(m).Synonyms
* See alsoDerived terms
* prior toNoun
(wikipedia prior) (en noun)- ‘And a little later we get the routine report on his prints from Washington, and he's got a prior back in Indiana, attempted hold-up six years ago.’
formal
English
Adjective
(en adjective)Antonyms
* informalDerived terms
* formal cause * formalize * formalist * formalism * formalityNoun
(en noun)- Jenny took Sam to her Year 12 formal .