principle

【1】原则

 

【例】We do business on the principle of quality and mutual benefit.

我们在平等互利的原则上进行交易。

 

【2】in principle

原则上

 

【例】They accepted the draft contract in principle, but there were several details they didn’t agree to.

他们原则上接受了草拟合同，但有几处细节他们并未同意。

 

【3】on principle

根据原则

 

【例】We refused on principle to agree to their terms of payment.

我们根据原则拒绝同意他们的支付条件。

 

prior

【1】（时间上、次序上、重要性上）在前的

 

【例】That is a prior obligation. It must be fulfilled in advance of others.

那是高于一切的义务，必须优先履行。

 

【2】prior to

在……之前

 

【例】The shortage in weight was due to the original bags being short weighted prior to shipment.

短重是由于装船前原包重量短少。

 

priority

【1】优先，优先权

 

①【例】Priority is given to aerospace industry.

要优先发展航天工业。

 

②用作定语。

【例】Priority support will be given to key industries in townships or villages.

要优先支持乡镇的重点工业。

 

【2】优先考虑的事

 

【例】The arranging of this business agreement is a top priority.

这份业务协议的准备工作，是一件最应优先考虑的事。