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priorities

B1 noun #33 most common 13 min read

priorities

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips priorities in 30 Seconds

Explanation priorities in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'priorities' might be a bit difficult, but we can understand it as 'the most important things.' Imagine you have a lot of things to do, like homework, playing games, and cleaning your room. If you do your homework first because it is the most important, then homework is your 'priority.' In simple English, we can say 'First things first.' At this level, you don't need to use the word 'priorities' often, but you should know it means 'the things you do first because they are important.' For example, 'My priority is my family' means 'My family is the most important thing to me.' It is about making a choice between two or more things. If you have five dollars and you buy bread instead of a toy, the bread is your priority because you need to eat. This is a very basic way to think about it. You can think of it as a 'Top 1' or 'Top 3' list of things you care about. When your teacher says 'Listen to me,' they are making listening a priority. When your mom says 'Eat your vegetables,' she is making your health a priority. It is a word that helps us talk about what we care about most.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'priorities' to talk about your daily life and routines. It is the plural of 'priority.' You use it when you have a list of things to do and you need to decide which ones are more important. For example, 'I have many priorities today: I need to go to the bank, buy food, and study English.' This shows that you have several important tasks. You might also hear people say 'What are your priorities?' which means 'What is important to you right now?' You can answer with 'My priorities are my job and my health.' At this level, you are learning to describe your needs and goals. 'Priorities' is a great word for this. You can use it with simple verbs like 'have,' 'set,' or 'change.' For example, 'I need to set my priorities' means 'I need to decide what is important.' Or, 'My priorities changed after I moved to a new city' means 'Different things are important to me now.' It is a useful word for talking about plans and making decisions. You can also use it to explain why you cannot do something. 'I'm sorry, I can't go to the party; I have other priorities tonight.' This is a polite way to say you are busy with something more important.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'priorities' in both personal and professional contexts. This is the level where you start to manage more complex situations, and 'priorities' is a key word for that. You can use it to discuss time management, work tasks, and life choices. For example, 'In my new job, I have to manage many competing priorities.' This means you have several tasks that are all important and you have to decide which one to do first. You can also use adjectives to describe your priorities, such as 'top priorities,' 'main priorities,' or 'immediate priorities.' For instance, 'Our top priority is to finish the project by Friday.' This level also involves understanding how priorities can shift. You might say, 'The company's priorities have shifted toward sustainability.' This means the company now thinks being eco-friendly is more important than it was before. You can also use the word to give advice: 'You should get your priorities straight if you want to succeed.' This is a common idiom meaning someone should focus on what is truly important. At B1, you are expected to be able to explain *why* something is a priority. 'Education is one of my main priorities because I want to get a better job.' This shows a clear link between your values and your actions.

At the B2 level, you can use 'priorities' with more nuance and in more formal settings. You understand that priorities are not just a list of tasks, but a reflection of strategic thinking or personal values. You might use the word in a business presentation: 'We need to align our departmental priorities with the overall corporate strategy.' This shows a high level of professional vocabulary. You can also discuss the concept of 'conflicting priorities' in detail. 'The government is facing conflicting priorities between economic growth and environmental protection.' This means two important things are working against each other. At this level, you can also use the verb 'prioritize' effectively. 'We need to prioritize the most urgent requests from our clients.' You are also aware of the social and cultural implications of priorities. For example, you can talk about 'misplaced priorities' in society, such as 'Some critics argue that the city has misplaced priorities, spending more on stadiums than on public housing.' This shows you can use the word to express a critical opinion. You might also use phrases like 'take priority over' or 'give priority to.' For example, 'Emergency vehicles always take priority over other traffic.' This level of usage shows you understand the grammatical structures that often accompany the word.

At the C1 level, you use 'priorities' with total confidence and can integrate it into complex, abstract discussions. You might explore the philosophical or psychological aspects of how priorities are formed. For instance, you could discuss how 'socio-economic factors influence an individual's priorities from a young age.' You are also able to use the word in highly formal academic or professional writing. Instead of just saying 'set priorities,' you might say 'establish a rigorous hierarchy of priorities based on a cost-benefit analysis.' You understand the subtle differences between 'priorities,' 'precedence,' and 'imperatives.' For example, you might write, 'While economic stability is a priority, the moral imperative of human rights must take precedence.' This shows a sophisticated grasp of how these words interact. You can also use 'priorities' to analyze complex systems. 'The failure of the project was not due to a lack of resources, but rather a lack of clear, consistent priorities among the stakeholders.' This level of analysis is typical of C1. You are also sensitive to the tone of the word. You know that telling someone to 'get their priorities straight' can be quite confrontational, and you use it only when appropriate. You can also discuss 'shifting priorities' in the context of global trends, such as 'the shifting priorities of the global workforce in the post-pandemic era.'

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'priorities' and can use it with precision, elegance, and rhetorical flair. You can use it in any context, from a high-level diplomatic negotiation to a deep philosophical treatise. You might discuss the 'existential priorities' of humanity in the face of climate change, or the 'aesthetic priorities' of a particular art movement. You can use the word to create sophisticated metaphors or to deconstruct complex arguments. For example, 'The budget is not merely a financial document; it is a moral statement of a nation's priorities.' You are also able to use the word with a wide range of sophisticated collocations and idioms. You might talk about 'reordering the priorities of the soul' or 'the inherent tension between short-term political priorities and long-term ecological survival.' Your use of the word is always contextually perfect. You can also play with the word's history, perhaps noting how the pluralization of 'priority' reflects the fragmented nature of modern consciousness. At this level, you don't just use the word; you understand its power to shape perception and drive action. You can critique how organizations 'performatively prioritize' certain issues without taking real action. Your ability to use 'priorities' is a reflection of your ability to think critically and communicate complex ideas with absolute clarity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

priorities in 30 Seconds

Priorities are the most important tasks or goals that you choose to focus on first among many options.
The word is commonly used in business, personal life, and politics to describe a hierarchy of importance.
Effective time management depends on the ability to set, evaluate, and adjust your priorities as circumstances change.
Common phrases include 'top priorities,' 'shifting priorities,' and 'getting your priorities straight' to indicate focus and organization.

The term priorities refers to the collective set of tasks, goals, or values that an individual or organization deems most important. It is the plural form of 'priority,' which stems from the Latin word 'prior,' meaning 'former' or 'first.' In modern usage, having priorities means you have evaluated a list of potential actions and decided which ones deserve your immediate attention, resources, and energy. It is a fundamental concept in time management, psychology, and business strategy. When we talk about priorities, we are essentially talking about the hierarchy of our lives. Without priorities, everything seems equally urgent, which leads to burnout and inefficiency. By establishing priorities, you create a roadmap for success, ensuring that the most impactful work is completed before less significant tasks consume your day.

Core Concept: The act of ranking items based on their necessity or importance relative to others.
Psychological Impact: Clear priorities reduce decision fatigue by providing a pre-determined framework for making choices throughout the day.
Social Context: In social settings, priorities often reflect personal values, such as choosing family time over extra work hours.

After the crisis, the company had to completely reorganize its priorities to focus on employee safety above all else.

People use this word in various contexts, from the mundane to the monumental. In a workplace, a manager might ask, 'What are your top three priorities for this week?' This is a request for a focused list of objectives. In a personal context, a friend might say, 'I need to get my priorities straight,' implying that they have been spending too much time on things that don't actually matter to them, like social media, and not enough on things that do, like health or education. The word carries a weight of responsibility; to name something a priority is to commit to it. However, the plural 'priorities' is often used to describe the complex balancing act we all perform. We don't just have one priority; we have many, and they often compete for our time.

Her priorities shifted significantly after she became a mother, with her career taking a back seat to her child's needs.

In the digital age, the word has taken on new dimensions. We talk about 'prioritizing' notifications or 'inbox priorities.' This reflects a world where information is constant, and the ability to filter what is important is a survival skill. If you cannot identify your priorities, the world will identify them for you, usually in the form of other people's demands on your time. Therefore, understanding and articulating your priorities is an act of agency and self-determination. It allows you to say 'no' to the good so you can say 'yes' to the great.

The government's priorities include improving the healthcare system and reducing the national debt.

If you want to succeed in this course, you must make studying one of your highest priorities.

It is difficult to manage multiple priorities when every client thinks their project is the most urgent.

Using the word priorities correctly requires an understanding of how it interacts with verbs and adjectives. Most commonly, we 'set,' 'establish,' 'identify,' or 'determine' our priorities. These verbs suggest a deliberate process of thinking and choosing. For example, 'Before starting the project, the team met to set their priorities.' This implies a collaborative effort to agree on what matters most. On the other hand, priorities can 'shift,' 'change,' or 'evolve.' This describes a more passive or reactive process where external circumstances force a re-evaluation of what is important. 'When the market crashed, our financial priorities shifted from growth to stability.'

Action Verbs: Set, establish, rank, list, evaluate, reassess, juggle, balance.
Descriptive Adjectives: Top, high, low, competing, conflicting, urgent, long-term, immediate.

It is essential to prioritize your tasks every morning to ensure you are working on the most valuable items.

Adjectives play a crucial role in qualifying priorities. 'Top priorities' are the absolute most important things, while 'competing priorities' or 'conflicting priorities' describe a situation where two or more important things require the same resources at the same time, creating a dilemma. For instance, 'The manager struggled with conflicting priorities: meeting the deadline or ensuring the highest quality.' This sentence highlights the tension inherent in decision-making. We also use 'clear priorities' to describe a well-organized plan, and 'misplaced priorities' to criticize someone for focusing on the wrong things. 'The CEO was criticized for his misplaced priorities when he spent millions on office decor while cutting employee benefits.'

The school board needs to reassess its priorities to better support students with learning disabilities.

In formal writing, 'priorities' is often found in mission statements, policy documents, and executive summaries. It provides a structured way to present a vision. For example, 'Our strategic priorities for the next fiscal year include digital transformation and market expansion.' In informal conversation, it's often used to give advice or express frustration. 'You really need to get your priorities in order if you want to graduate on time.' This use of 'in order' or 'straight' suggests that the person's current ranking of importance is messy or incorrect.

Having competing priorities can lead to significant stress if you don't have a system for delegation.

The first step in any successful diet is to make your health one of your top priorities.

The city council's priorities for the new budget are public safety and infrastructure repair.

The word priorities is ubiquitous in professional environments. In corporate meetings, it is the language of efficiency. Leaders use it to align their teams. You will hear phrases like 'Let's align on our priorities' or 'We need to pivot our priorities based on the new data.' In this context, priorities are often tied to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and quarterly goals. If you work in a startup, priorities might change weekly or even daily, leading to the common phrase 'juggling multiple priorities.' This reflects the fast-paced, often chaotic nature of new businesses where everyone wears many hats.

Business Setting: Strategic planning, performance reviews, project management meetings, and resource allocation discussions.
Political Setting: Campaign speeches, legislative debates, budget hearings, and policy announcements.

During the debate, the candidate outlined her priorities for the first hundred days in office.

In politics, 'priorities' is a powerful rhetorical tool. Politicians use it to signal their values to voters. A candidate might say, 'My priorities are education, healthcare, and the environment.' This is a way of saying, 'This is what I will spend your tax money on.' Conversely, opponents will often attack a politician's 'wrong priorities,' claiming that they are ignoring the 'real' issues facing the country. In news broadcasts, you'll hear journalists analyze a government's budget by looking at where the most money is allocated, which reveals their 'true priorities' regardless of what they say in speeches.

The news report highlighted the priorities of the new administration, focusing on economic recovery.

In personal development and self-help, the word is central. Authors like Stephen Covey or James Clear frequently discuss the importance of 'prioritizing' the 'important but not urgent' tasks. You'll hear this in podcasts, read it in blogs, and see it in motivational social media posts. The message is usually: 'If you don't control your priorities, someone else will.' This has led to a cultural obsession with productivity and 'hacking' one's priorities to achieve more in less time. In therapy or counseling, a therapist might help a client 're-evaluate their priorities' to reduce anxiety and find more meaning in life.

In his self-help book, the author explains how to align your daily actions with your long-term priorities.

The coach told the athlete that if winning was truly one of his priorities, he would never miss a practice.

Families often have to discuss their financial priorities before making a major purchase like a house.

One of the most frequent mistakes with the word priorities is using it when you actually mean 'preferences.' A preference is something you like more than something else, but a priority is something that must be done first because of its importance or urgency. For example, 'My priority is chocolate ice cream' is technically incorrect unless you are in a situation where eating ice cream is a critical task. It should be 'My preference is chocolate ice cream.' Another common error is the 'too many priorities' trap. Linguistically, if you have twenty 'top priorities,' the word loses its meaning. A priority is, by definition, something that comes before others. If everything is a priority, nothing is.

Priority vs. Preference: Priority implies necessity and order; preference implies personal liking.
The Plural Trap: Using 'priorities' to describe a long list of tasks without any actual ranking.

Incorrect: I have a list of twenty top priorities for today.
Correct: I have a list of twenty tasks, but these three are my top priorities.

Grammatically, learners often struggle with the preposition that follows 'priority.' We usually say 'priority over' something else. For example, 'Safety takes priority over speed.' Using 'than' or 'to' in this context is a common mistake. Additionally, the verb form 'prioritize' is often misspelled as 'priorityze.' Remember that the suffix is '-ize' (or '-ise' in British English). Another nuance is the difference between 'making something a priority' and 'setting priorities.' Making something a priority means giving it importance; setting priorities means organizing a whole list of things into an order of importance.

Incorrect: This task has priority than the other one.
Correct: This task has priority over the other one.

Finally, there is a subtle mistake in using 'priorities' as a synonym for 'goals.' While they are related, they are not the same. A goal is a destination—something you want to achieve. A priority is a choice about what to do now to get there. You might have a goal to run a marathon, but your priority today might be finishing a work report. Confusing the two can lead to a lack of practical action. You can have many goals, but you must choose which ones are your priorities at any given moment to make progress.

Don't confuse your long-term goals with your immediate priorities; you need both to succeed.

The most common mistake in time management is failing to distinguish between urgent tasks and important priorities.

Many people fail to reach their potential because they have misplaced priorities, focusing on minor details instead of the big picture.

While priorities is a very common and versatile word, there are several alternatives that can add precision to your writing or speaking depending on the context. 'Precedence' is a more formal synonym often used in legal or technical contexts. It refers to the right to come before something else in time, order, or rank. For example, 'This rule takes precedence over all previous regulations.' While 'priority' can be a personal choice, 'precedence' often implies a fixed rule or a natural order. Another alternative is 'urgency,' which specifically focuses on the time element. A task might be a priority because it's important, but it's 'urgent' because it needs to be done now.

Precedence vs. Priority: Precedence is often about formal rules or rank; priority is about importance and choice.
Urgency vs. Importance: Urgency is about 'when'; importance (priority) is about 'why' and 'how much'.

In the hierarchy of the company, the CEO's requests always take precedence over those of the department heads.

'Agenda' is another related word, though it has a slightly different meaning. An agenda is a list of items to be discussed or acted upon, often in a specific order. While your priorities might dictate your agenda, the agenda is the physical or formal list itself. In politics, we often hear about a 'hidden agenda,' which implies secret priorities. 'Objectives' and 'goals' are also similar but, as mentioned before, they represent the end result rather than the ranking of tasks. 'Concerns' is a softer alternative, often used when talking about what someone is worried about or focused on. 'My main concerns are the budget and the timeline' is a less formal way of saying 'My priorities are the budget and the timeline.'

The environmental group's agenda includes lobbying for stricter carbon emission laws.

In a business context, you might use 'deliverables' to refer to the specific things that are priorities for a project. 'Our key deliverables for this month are the prototype and the user manual.' This is more concrete than 'priorities.' In a more abstract sense, 'values' can be an alternative. When we say someone has 'good priorities,' we often mean they have 'good values.' They care about the right things, like family, honesty, and hard work. Finally, 'ranking' or 'hierarchy' can be used to describe the structure of priorities. 'We need to establish a clear hierarchy of needs for the disaster relief effort.'

The hierarchy of tasks was clearly displayed on the project management board.

For many people, the paramount concern during a job search is the salary and benefits package.

The team spent the afternoon defining the objectives for the upcoming marketing campaign.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

For over 500 years, 'priority' was only used in the singular. It wasn't until the 1900s, particularly after the Industrial Revolution, that we started using the plural 'priorities' to describe the many competing demands of modern life.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /praɪˈɒr.ɪ.tiz/

US /praɪˈɔːr.ə.t̬iz/

Second syllable: pri-OR-i-ties

Rhymes With

Authorities Minorities Seniorities Superiorities Inferiorities Abnormalities Possibilities Responsibilities

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable: PRI-or-i-ties (Incorrect)
Stressing the third syllable: pri-or-I-ties (Incorrect)
Pronouncing the 'ties' as 'tyze' (Incorrect)
Missing the 'i' sound in the third syllable: pri-or-tees (Incorrect)
Confusing the 'o' sound with an 'u' sound: pri-ur-i-ties (Incorrect)

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is common in news and books, but its abstract nature can be tricky for beginners.

Writing 4/5

Spelling 'priorities' and 'prioritize' correctly requires attention, as does using the right prepositions.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is key, especially placing the stress on the second syllable.

Listening 3/5

It is often spoken quickly in professional settings, so recognizing the 'pri-OR-i-ties' rhythm is important.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Important First Goal Task Choose

Learn Next

Prioritize Hierarchy Strategic Allocation Urgency

Advanced

Precedence Imperative Salience Primacy Ascendancy

Grammar to Know

Pluralization of nouns ending in -y

Priority becomes priorities (change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es').

Using 'take priority over'

The urgent task takes priority over the routine one.

Using 'give priority to'

The teacher gives priority to students who need extra help.

Adjective placement

Top priorities, main priorities, immediate priorities.

Gerunds as priorities

My priorities are studying and working out.

Examples by Level

My family is my top priority.

Ma famille est ma priorité absolue.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

School is very important, it is a priority.

L'école est très importante, c'est une priorité.

Using 'a priority' as a singular noun.

First, I do my homework. It is my priority.

D'abord, je fais mes devoirs. C'est ma priorité.

Showing priority through order of actions.

We have many priorities today.

Nous avons beaucoup de priorités aujourd'hui.

Plural form 'priorities' with 'many'.

What is your number one priority?

Quelle est votre priorité numéro un ?

Question form with 'what'.

Health is a big priority for me.

La santé est une grande priorité pour moi.

Adjective 'big' modifying 'priority'.

I need to make a list of my priorities.

Je dois faire une liste de mes priorités.

Using 'make a list of' with the plural noun.

Food and water are priorities.

La nourriture et l'eau sont des priorités.

Compound subject with plural verb and noun.

I have to set my priorities for the weekend.

Je dois fixer mes priorités pour le week-end.

Verb 'set' used with 'priorities'.

Her priorities changed when she got a new job.

Ses priorités ont changé quand elle a eu un nouveau travail.

Past tense 'changed' with plural subject.

It is hard to balance work and life priorities.

Il est difficile d'équilibrer les priorités professionnelles et personnelles.

Infinitive 'to balance' with plural noun.

What are the company's main priorities this year?

Quelles sont les principales priorités de l'entreprise cette année ?

Possessive 'company's' with plural noun.

I don't have time because I have other priorities.

Je n'ai pas le temps car j'ai d'autres priorités.

Using 'other' to contrast with a current request.

Learning English is one of my top priorities.

Apprendre l'anglais est l'une de mes priorités absolues.

Phrase 'one of my top priorities'.

You need to decide on your priorities.

Vous devez décider de vos priorités.

Verb 'decide on' followed by the noun.

Safety should be the first of all priorities.

La sécurité devrait être la première de toutes les priorités.

Using 'first of all' for emphasis.

We need to re-evaluate our priorities after the recent changes.

Nous devons réévaluer nos priorités après les récents changements.

Prefix 're-' with 'evaluate' indicating a second look.

The manager is juggling several competing priorities right now.

Le manager jongle avec plusieurs priorités concurrentes en ce moment.

Metaphorical use of 'juggling' with 'competing priorities'.

It's important to get your priorities straight before you start the project.

Il est important de mettre de l'ordre dans vos priorités avant de commencer le projet.

Idiom 'get your priorities straight'.

The government's priorities include reducing poverty and improving education.

Les priorités du gouvernement incluent la réduction de la pauvreté et l'amélioration de l'éducation.

List of gerund phrases following 'include'.

My priorities have shifted since I started my own business.

Mes priorités ont changé depuis que j'ai créé ma propre entreprise.

Present perfect 'have shifted' indicating a change over time.

The project failed because the team had conflicting priorities.

Le projet a échoué parce que l'équipe avait des priorités contradictoires.

Adjective 'conflicting' describing the noun.

She decided to give priority to her health over her career.

Elle a décidé de donner la priorité à sa santé plutôt qu'à sa carrière.

Phrase 'give priority to X over Y'.

What are your immediate priorities for the next twenty-four hours?

Quelles sont vos priorités immédiates pour les prochaines vingt-quatre heures ?

Adjective 'immediate' specifying the timeframe.

The company needs to align its strategic priorities with market demands.

L'entreprise doit aligner ses priorités stratégiques sur les demandes du marché.

Verb 'align' used in a professional context.

Misplaced priorities can lead to a significant waste of resources.

Des priorités mal placées peuvent entraîner un gaspillage important de ressources.

Adjective 'misplaced' used as a critique.

The candidate's speech focused on the priorities of the middle class.

Le discours du candidat s'est concentré sur les priorités de la classe moyenne.

Noun phrase 'priorities of the [group]'.

We must establish a clear hierarchy of priorities to avoid confusion.

Nous devons établir une hiérarchie claire des priorités pour éviter toute confusion.

Noun 'hierarchy' used to describe the structure of priorities.

Environmental protection should take priority over industrial expansion.

La protection de l'environnement devrait primer sur l'expansion industrielle.

Verb phrase 'take priority over'.

The board of directors is currently reassessing the firm's long-term priorities.

Le conseil d'administration réévalue actuellement les priorités à long terme de l'entreprise.

Present continuous 'is reassessing' for an ongoing process.

It is essential to communicate our priorities clearly to all stakeholders.

Il est essentiel de communiquer clairement nos priorités à toutes les parties prenantes.

Infinitive phrase as the subject of 'is essential'.

The crisis forced the city to reorder its budgetary priorities.

La crise a forcé la ville à réorganiser ses priorités budgétaires.

Adjective 'budgetary' modifying 'priorities'.

The inherent tension between competing priorities often necessitates difficult compromises.

La tension inhérente entre des priorités concurrentes nécessite souvent des compromis difficiles.

Complex sentence with 'inherent tension' and 'necessitates'.

The shift in global priorities reflects a growing awareness of climate change.

Le changement des priorités mondiales reflète une prise de conscience croissante du changement climatique.

Noun 'shift' used to describe a large-scale change.

Critics argue that the administration has performatively prioritized social issues while ignoring economic ones.

Les critiques soutiennent que l'administration a accordé une priorité de façade aux questions sociales tout en ignorant les questions économiques.

Adverb 'performatively' modifying the verb 'prioritized'.

Establishing a rigorous set of priorities is the cornerstone of effective leadership.

L'établissement d'un ensemble rigoureux de priorités est la pierre angulaire d'un leadership efficace.

Gerund phrase 'Establishing...' as the subject.

The organization's priorities are inextricably linked to its core values.

Les priorités de l'organisation sont inextricablement liées à ses valeurs fondamentales.

Adverb 'inextricably' describing the connection.

The report highlights the disparity between stated priorities and actual resource allocation.

Le rapport souligne la disparité entre les priorités affichées et l'allocation réelle des ressources.

Noun 'disparity' used to show a contradiction.

In times of scarcity, the prioritization of essential services becomes a moral imperative.

En période de pénurie, la hiérarchisation des services essentiels devient un impératif moral.

Noun 'prioritization' used for the process.

The philosophical debate centers on whether individual rights should ever take priority over the collective good.

Le débat philosophique porte sur la question de savoir si les droits individuels doivent un jour primer sur le bien collectif.

Subordinate clause 'whether...' as the object of the debate.

The budget is a fiscal manifestation of the nation's underlying socio-political priorities.

Le budget est une manifestation fiscale des priorités sociopolitiques sous-jacentes de la nation.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'fiscal manifestation' and 'underlying'.

One must navigate the labyrinthine priorities of modern life with a steadfast sense of purpose.

Il faut naviguer dans les priorités labyrinthiques de la vie moderne avec un sens inébranlable du but.

Metaphorical use of 'labyrinthine' and 'navigate'.

The artist's aesthetic priorities were often at odds with the commercial demands of the gallery.

Les priorités esthétiques de l'artiste étaient souvent en contradiction avec les exigences commerciales de la galerie.

Idiom 'at odds with' used to show conflict.

The existential priorities of the species must be re-evaluated in the shadow of ecological collapse.

Les priorités existentielles de l'espèce doivent être réévaluées à l'ombre de l'effondrement écologique.

Passive voice 'must be re-evaluated' for a formal, serious tone.

The CEO's tenure was marked by a radical reordering of the company's operational priorities.

Le mandat du PDG a été marqué par une réorganisation radicale des priorités opérationnelles de l'entreprise.

Noun 'tenure' and adjective 'operational' used precisely.

The inherent subjectivity of personal priorities makes universal consensus nearly impossible.

La subjectivité inhérente des priorités personnelles rend un consensus universel presque impossible.

Abstract noun 'subjectivity' as the main subject.

To prioritize the ephemeral over the enduring is a hallmark of a superficial culture.

Accorder la priorité à l'éphémère sur le durable est la marque d'une culture superficielle.

Infinitive phrase using 'ephemeral' and 'enduring' as nouns.

The intricate interplay of competing priorities within the ecosystem ensures its fragile stability.

L'interaction complexe de priorités concurrentes au sein de l'écosystème assure sa fragile stabilité.

Noun phrase 'intricate interplay' describing a complex system.

Common Collocations

Set priorities

Top priorities

Shifting priorities

Competing priorities

Establish priorities

Misplaced priorities

Immediate priorities

Long-term priorities

Reassess priorities

Give priority to

Common Phrases

Get your priorities straight

— To focus on what is truly important rather than minor things. Often used as advice or criticism.

You need to get your priorities straight and start studying for your exams.

First priority

— The single most important thing that must be done before anything else.

Our first priority is the safety of the passengers.

High priority

— Something that is very important and needs to be dealt with quickly.

This email is marked as high priority because it's from the CEO.

Low priority

— Something that is not very important and can wait until other things are finished.

Updating the office directory is a low priority task for this week.

A matter of priority

— Something that needs to be dealt with as a priority, usually in a formal context.

The repairs to the bridge must be completed as a matter of priority.

Take priority over

— To be more important than something else and therefore be dealt with first.

The needs of the children must take priority over the desires of the parents.

Change of priorities

— A situation where the things that were important are no longer the focus.

The new manager brought a significant change of priorities to the department.

In order of priority

— Arranged so that the most important things are first.

Please list your requests in order of priority.

Top of the priorities list

— The most important item among many things that need to be done.

Reducing costs is at the top of the priorities list for this year.

Conflict of priorities

— A situation where two or more important things cannot both be achieved at the same time.

There is a conflict of priorities between the marketing and production teams.

Often Confused With

priorities vs Preferences

Preferences are what you like; priorities are what you must do because they are important.

priorities vs Goals

Goals are the final result; priorities are the choices you make to get there.

priorities vs Urgency

Urgency is about time; priority is about importance (though they often overlap).

Idioms & Expressions

"First things first"

— An expression used to say that the most important things should be done before anything else.

I know you're excited about the party, but first things first: finish your homework.

Informal

"Main squeeze"

— While usually meaning a romantic partner, it can slangily refer to one's main focus or priority.

Right now, finishing this book is my main squeeze.

Slang

"Top of the pile"

— The most important or urgent thing in a group of tasks.

That report needs to be at the top of the pile when the boss arrives.

Neutral

"Front and center"

— In a position of great importance or prominence.

The issue of climate change was front and center during the summit.

Neutral

"Call the shots"

— To be the person who makes the important decisions and sets the priorities.

In this house, my mother is the one who calls the shots.

Informal

"Have a lot on one's plate"

— To have many priorities or tasks to deal with at the same time.

I can't take on any more work right now; I already have a lot on my plate.

Informal

"Keep your eye on the ball"

— To stay focused on your main priority and not get distracted.

If you want to win the championship, you have to keep your eye on the ball.

Informal

"Put something on the back burner"

— To decide that something is a low priority and will be dealt with later.

We've put the expansion plans on the back burner until the economy improves.

Informal

"Spread oneself too thin"

— To try to do too many things at once, so that none of them are done well.

She's spreading herself too thin by trying to lead three different committees.

Informal

"The elephant in the room"

— A major priority or problem that everyone knows about but no one wants to discuss.

The company's massive debt was the elephant in the room during the meeting.

Informal

Easily Confused

priorities vs Prioritize

It's the verb form of the noun 'priorities.'

Priorities is the thing (noun); prioritize is the action (verb).

I need to prioritize my priorities.

priorities vs Precedence

Both mean coming before something else.

Precedence is more formal and often refers to rules or rank; priority is more general.

The law takes precedence here.

priorities vs Primacy

Both relate to being first.

Primacy is a very formal word meaning the state of being first in importance or order.

The primacy of the individual is a core value.

priorities vs Preference

People often say 'my priority is...' when they mean 'I like...'

Priority implies a ranking of importance; preference implies a ranking of liking.

My preference is tea, but my priority is finishing this coffee so I can wake up.

priorities vs Agenda

Both involve a list of things to do.

An agenda is a formal list for a meeting; priorities are the underlying values or importance.

The agenda has five items, but our priority is the first one.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] is my priority.

Family is my priority.

I have many [adjective] priorities.

I have many daily priorities.

We need to [verb] our priorities.

We need to set our priorities.

[Something] takes priority over [something else].

Safety takes priority over speed.

My priorities have [verb] since [event].

My priorities have shifted since I graduated.

It is a matter of [adjective] priority.

It is a matter of high priority.

The [noun] of priorities is [adjective].

The hierarchy of priorities is complex.

To [verb] [something] is to [verb] one's priorities.

To ignore the environment is to misplace one's priorities.

Word Family

Nouns

Priority (singular)

Prioritization (the process of making things priorities)

Verbs

Prioritize (to make something a priority)

Reprioritize (to change the order of priorities)

Adjectives

Prioritized (organized by importance)

Prior (coming before in time or order)

Precedence

Preference

Importance

Urgency

Hierarchy

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English, especially in professional and self-improvement contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'than' instead of 'over'. → This task takes priority over that one.
In English, the standard preposition used with priority for comparison is 'over'.
Saying 'I have a priority' when you mean 'I am busy'. → I have a priority to finish this report.
Priority should refer to a specific task or goal, not just a general state of being busy.
Spelling it 'prioritys'. → Priorities.
Nouns ending in a consonant + 'y' change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es' in the plural.
Confusing 'priority' with 'preference'. → My priority is finishing work; my preference is going to the cinema.
Priority is about importance/necessity; preference is about what you like.
Stressing the first syllable. → pri-OR-i-ties.
The stress must be on the second syllable for correct English pronunciation.

Tips

Use 'Top Priority' for the #1 Item

When you have a list, always identify your 'top priority' to show what is most critical. This helps others understand your focus immediately.

Priority 'Over' Something

Always use the preposition 'over' when comparing two things. 'Task A has priority over Task B.' Avoid using 'than' or 'to' in this specific comparison.

Learn 'Prioritize'

The verb form 'prioritize' is just as common as the noun. Practice using it to describe the action of organizing your work.

Stress the 'OR'

Correct pronunciation (pri-OR-i-ties) makes you sound more professional and fluent. Practice saying it slowly, emphasizing the second syllable.

Limit Your Priorities

In life and work, having more than three 'top priorities' usually means you don't have any. Try to narrow your focus for better results.

Avoid 'Priorityze'

This is a common spelling mistake. Remember it's '-ize' (US) or '-ise' (UK). There is no 'y' after the 't' in the verb form.

Polite Declining

Use 'priorities' to decline invitations politely. 'I'd love to, but I have some other priorities I need to attend to right now.'

Aligning Priorities

In a team, always check if everyone's priorities are the same. 'Aligning priorities' is a key leadership skill.

Cultural Awareness

Be aware that priorities differ by culture. What is a priority for you might not be for someone from a different background.

The 'Prior' Rule

Always remember that 'prior' means 'before.' Your priorities are simply the things you put before everything else.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Prior' (meaning before). Your 'Prior-ities' are the things you put 'Prior' to (before) everything else. P-R-I-O-R: Put Really Important Objectives Right-away.

Visual Association

Imagine a ladder. Your top priorities are on the top rungs, and your low priorities are on the bottom rungs. To reach the top, you must climb the ladder in order.

Word Web

Goals Time Management Importance Urgency Choices Ranking Values Focus

Challenge

Write down your top three priorities for tomorrow. Then, explain to a friend why you chose those three and how you will make sure they get done.

Word Origin

The word 'priorities' comes from the Old French word 'priorite,' which itself is derived from the Medieval Latin 'prioritas.' This Latin term comes from 'prior,' meaning 'former' or 'first.'

Original meaning: The original meaning in the 14th century was 'the state of being earlier or coming before in time.' It was strictly a singular concept.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > French > English.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing someone's priorities, as they are often tied to deeply held personal or religious values. Criticizing someone's priorities can be seen as a personal attack.

In the US and UK, 'getting your priorities straight' is a common, slightly stern piece of advice given to someone who is perceived as wasting time.

Stephen Covey's 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' focuses heavily on 'First Things First' (priorities). The 'Eisenhower Matrix' is a famous tool for sorting priorities into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. The song 'Priorities' by various artists often explores the theme of choosing love over money or vice versa.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Work/Business

Align our priorities
Quarterly priorities
Resource allocation
Strategic objectives

Personal Development

Set your priorities
Time management
Values-based living
Focus on what matters

Politics/Government

Legislative priorities
Budgetary priorities
Public interest
Policy agenda

Education

Study priorities
Learning objectives
Academic goals
First things first

Health/Wellness

Self-care priorities
Healthy lifestyle
Mental health first
Balance priorities

Conversation Starters

"What are your top three priorities for this week?"

"How do you decide on your priorities when you have too much to do?"

"Do you think people's priorities change as they get older?"

"What is a priority for you now that wasn't a priority five years ago?"

"How do you handle it when your priorities conflict with someone else's?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on your current priorities. Are they aligned with your long-term goals? Why or why not?

Describe a time when you had to shift your priorities suddenly. What happened and how did you feel?

If you had only three hours of free time a week, what would your priorities be?

Write about a person you admire. What do you think their top priorities are, and how does that show in their life?

How do your daily habits reflect your true priorities? Are there any habits you want to change?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, the singular is 'priority.' You use 'priority' when referring to one specific thing that is most important. You use 'priorities' when talking about a group of important things or the general concept of ranking importance.

It is an idiom that means you need to stop focusing on unimportant things and start focusing on what really matters. For example, if a student is playing video games instead of studying, a parent might say this.

You use it as a verb. For example: 'You need to prioritize your tasks.' It means to put them in order of importance.

No, that is incorrect. You should say 'top priority,' 'highest priority,' or 'main priority.' For example: 'My top priority is my health.'

Urgent means it needs to be done right now (time-sensitive). Priority means it is important (value-sensitive). Ideally, you should work on things that are both urgent and a high priority.

It is a neutral word. It is perfectly fine to use in formal business reports, academic essays, and informal conversations with friends.

It is spelled P-R-I-O-R-I-T-I-E-S. Remember to change the 'y' to an 'i' before adding 'es'.

These are two or more things that are all important, but you don't have enough time or resources to do them all at once. This creates a conflict.

Yes, you can say 'He is my top priority,' meaning that person is the most important person in your life right now.

It is the noun form of the verb 'prioritize.' It refers to the actual process or act of deciding which things are priorities.