adjective
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(prenominal) existing or coming before something else in time or position; prior
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informal (postpositive) taking place or done too soon; premature
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before; prior to
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of previous
First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin praevius “going before,” equivalent to prae- pre- + vi(a) “way” + -us adjective suffix
Explanation
Previous means the one that just came before. For instance, the previous sentence explained the meaning of the word previous. With previous, you first see that the prefix pre meaning "before." The second part of the word, vius, — think via — means "road," so you’re talking about the road, or thing, before. Previous, though, can be used with people, or anything else too. You will know right away if the previous tenants had cats. Do you ever wonder what you were in a previous life? Rivers are at flood stage from the previous two rain storms.
Vocabulary lists containing previous
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 2
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Wong is already behind bars serving a sentence of four years and eight months for a previous security law conviction, which was set to be completed in January.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026
The previous record - 3.6C - was set in December 1997.
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026
The company’s previous earnings report rattled investors, sending shares off 20% in the session following the results.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 4, 2026
The star recently agreed to 20 months’ probation for a previous charge.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026
The previous night Brooklyn had demonstrated impressive natural spy skills, but if she wanted to be ready for a high-level operation in three weeks, she needed to prepare around the clock.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
