prioritize - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
prioritize Word Meanings
- to arrange or deal with in order of importance
- to give priority to something
- to make something a priority
prioritize Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
prioritize Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/praɪˈɒrɪtaɪz/
US
/praɪˈɔːrəˌtaɪz/
prioritize Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'prior-' (earlier) + '-itize' (to make) from Latin. Historical origin: Latin 'prior' → Old French 'prioriser' → English. Memory image: Imagine a busy desk where tasks are stacked; you pick the highest one to start, illustrating the act of prioritizing.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
To prioritize is to arrange tasks or issues in order of importance and to focus attention on the most critical ones first. It can mean giving priority to a particular goal, project, or constraint, and often implies trade-offs when resources are limited. In practice you prioritize by evaluating urgency, impact, and dependencies, then scheduling or reordering work accordingly. The verb is transitive: you prioritize X over Y; you can also say 'make X a priority.' Note that spelling varies by region: prioritize (US) vs prioritise (UK).
Usage Reminders
- Remember: prioritize is transitive; you prioritize something over something else. Be specific about what is being prioritized. Use common collocations: prioritize safety, prioritize efficiency, prioritize tasks. British English often uses prioritise. Avoid overusing 'prioritize' in every sentence; vary with 'focus on' or 'emphasize'. Watch for noun form 'priority' vs verb form 'prioritize'.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking prioritizing is only about tasks, not people or safety.
- Confusing priority with urgency; urgent is not always the most important.
- Using 'prioritize' as a noun (e. g., 'a prioritize') instead of 'a priority'.
- Believing 'prioritize' means doing everything at once.
- Mistaking 'prioritize X over Y' to mean 'increase X' without trade-offs.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often think of priority as a clear ranking of tasks by impact and urgency, with a focus on actionable steps; mistakes tend to involve misusing the noun form or assuming urgency equals importance.
Learning Tips
- Create a short priority list for your day.
- Use 'prioritize' with a clear object: 'prioritize safety' not 'prioritize'.
- Pair with 'over' to show comparison: 'prioritize X over Y'.
- Notice spelling variants: prioritize vs prioritise.
- Practice with real scenarios: work tasks, safety checks, deadlines.
- Review nouns: priority vs verb prioritize.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'prioritize' mean?
A.To ignore urgent matters.
B.To complete tasks in random order.
C.To treat something as more important than others.
D.To delay decisions indefinitely.
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correctly used sentence with the word 'prioritize'.
A.I decided to prioritize lunch over my meeting.
B.She will prioritize attending the concert instead of studying.
C.He prioritized his vacation dates before booking his tickets.
D.They prioritize to finish the project on time.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'prioritize'?
A.Neglect
B.Emphasize
C.Overlook
D.Postpone
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'prioritize'?
A.Ignore
B.Value
C.Consider
D.Focus
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where tasks need to be ordered by importance?
A.Many people have deadlines they must manage effectively.
B.A student might decide to prioritize studying for their exams.
C.Some tasks may seem urgent but are actually less important.
D.He is focused on completing tasks without any thought.
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