previous

[ pree-vee-uhs ]

adjective

1. coming or occurring before something else; prior:

   the previous owner.

   Synonyms: foregoing, preceding, former

2. Informal. done, occurring, etc., before the proper time; premature:

   Aren't you a little previous with that request?

previous

/ ˈpriːvɪəs /

adjective

1. prenominal existing or coming before something else in time or position; prior
2. informal.
   postpositive taking place or done too soon; premature
3. previous to
   before; prior to

Derived Forms

• ˈpreviousness, noun
• ˈpreviously, adverb

Other Words From

• pre·vi·ous·ly adverb
• pre·vi·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of previous¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin praevius “going before,” equivalent to prae- pre- + vi(a) “way” + -us adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of previous¹

C17: from Latin praevius leading the way, from prae before + via way

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. previous to, before; prior to:

   Previous to moving here she lived in Chicago.

Example Sentences

Prof Stamatoudi, who advised the Greek culture minister during previous Elgin Marbles negotiations, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she believes "a deal is close" but was unsure if it was "close enough".

From BBC

This performance is 5.6 times as high as that observed in previous studies using the same phosphor.

From Science Daily

However, previous governments have argued that individual pensioners would be unlikely to benefit overall, as many also get financial support from governments, like Canada and Australia, which would be reduced as a result.

From BBC

Mr Abdulrasheed acts as the mosque's imam as the previous one was killed in the air strikes.

From BBC

Judge Kathleen McCormick upheld her previous decision from January, in which she argued that the board were too heavily influenced by Mr Musk.

From BBC

Related Words

• earlier
• past
• preceding