Prioritize Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌpraɪəˈraɪtɪz/

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To give precedence to something or to establish a sense of importance, often followed by a specific task or duty.

Examples

I need to prioritize completing this project by the end of the week.
She prioritized self-care by scheduling meditation sessions three times a week.

Synonyms

Focus
Address

Antonyms

Delay
Ignore

Additional Information

Prioritization is an essential skill in managing time and resources effectively. It involves evaluating tasks based on their urgency, importance, and impact, and allocating time and attention accordingly. Effective prioritization can lead to improved productivity, reduced stress, and enhanced overall well-being.

Prioritizing tasks also involves learning to say “no” to non-essential tasks and commitments, and setting clear boundaries to protect time for essential activities.

Etymology

The word “prioritize” comes from the Latin words “prior,” meaning “earlier” or “former,” and “ize,” a suffix forming verbs. It entered the English language in the mid-16th century and has been widely used since then.

Usage Notes

In writing, prioritize is often used in a imperative form, such as “Prioritize your tasks” or “Prioritize self-care.” In conversation, it may be used as a transitive or intransitive verb, for example, “I prioritize my work” or “I prioritize taking a break.”

Cultural References

Prioritization has been depicted in popular culture, such as in the TV show “TheOffice” where the character Michael Scott prioritizes his tasks and encourages others to do the same.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Prioritize is often used in idiomatic expressions like “Prioritize your tasks,” “Prioritize your time,” or “Prioritize your well-being.”

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words and phrases to prioritize are: Focus, attention, importance, urgency, and deadlines.

Collocations

Prioritize often collocates with words like “task,” “project,” “goal,” “activity,” and “responsibility.”

Frequency of Use

Prioritize is commonly used in business, education, and personal productivity contexts, with an estimated frequency of at least 100 times per million words spoken or written in English language.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of prioritize include: Priroritize, Prioritise, and Prioritis.