Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

prior-knowledge

Noun
/ˈpraɪər ˈnɑːlɪdʒ/
Definition
Prior knowledge refers to the information, understanding, or skills that a person already possesses before encountering new information.
Examples
  • Students with prior knowledge of the subject found the lecture easier to follow.
  • In the experiment, the researchers assessed the participants’ prior knowledge to tailor the instructions accordingly.
  • Her prior knowledge of mathematics helped her solve the complex physics problems quickly.
Meaning
It is the background knowledge that influences how someone interprets and understands new concepts, often building a foundation for learning.
Synonyms
  • Background knowledge
  • Previous experience
  • Existing understanding