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. before; prior to

Other Word Forms

• previously adverb
• previousness 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

Industrial production increased 1.4% in October from the previous month, government data showed Friday.

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Each layer then bonds to the previous one to allow the creation of a single, seamless object.

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The court heard that Taylor had eight previous convictions and was staying temporarily with his mother at the time of the incident.

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Prof Gaffney said it added to previous evidence that people were counting and applying it.

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Net migration to the UK fell by two-thirds in the year ending June 2025 compared with the previous 12 months, provisional figures indicate.

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Related Words

• earlier www.thesaurus.com
• past 
• preceding