previously

[ pree-vee-uhs-lee ]

adverb

1. before now; earlier:

   The evidence now shows a strong likelihood that sea levels will rise more rapidly than previously thought.

   The author was previously managing editor of a multimedia lifestyle company that produced a magazine, website, and newsletters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of previously¹

previous ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Emily Armstrong led the band, previously fronted by the late Chester Bennington, through two hours of music, including hits ‘Somewhere I Belong’ and ‘Crawling.’

From Los Angeles Times

She had previously served on the Bell Gardens City Council until 2019, when a Los Angeles Superior Court judge found she had violated her duties by neglecting to attend meetings for at least 60 consecutive days on two occasions without a valid reason.

From Los Angeles Times

Acosta’s attorney noted during that trial that the teenage girl had lied to police and prosecutors, including alleging that her mother had abused her and had previously denied telling anyone about the alleged abuse.

From Los Angeles Times

The court previously heard that Sara was hooded, burned and beaten during more than two years of abuse before she was found dead at her family home in Woking, Surrey, last year.

From BBC

The court previously heard a bloodstained cricket bat, a rolling pin with Sara’s DNA on it, a metal pole, a belt and rope were found near the family’s outhouse.

From BBC

Related Words

• already
• formerly
• heretofore
• hitherto
• long ago
• once
• then