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
- previously adverb
- previousness noun
Etymology
Origin of previous
First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin praevius “going before,” equivalent to prae- pre- + vi(a) “way” + -us adjective suffix
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.
Nike said that for its fiscal third quarter that ran through February, sales were flat from the previous year at $11.28 billion, as gains in North America offset continued struggles in China.
From MarketWatch
The Low Pay Commission, the government agency which recommended the increases, said previous minimum wage rises for over-21s had "not had a significant negative impact on jobs".
From BBC
The industry’s latest acquisitions, well below $10 billion, reflect a more tightfisted approach to dealmaking than previous periods, when big companies regularly spent tens of billions.
On Tuesday, Ivey posted another video in which he seemed to address the aftermath of his previous comments.
From Los Angeles Times
Remember its carefully telegraphed missile strikes after previous scuffles, easily shot down by the U.S. and its allies.
Definitions 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.
