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

• previousness noun
• previously adverb

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

Bucur appears to have lived in California in the past, according to a previous arrest.

From Los Angeles Times

England have won all seven of the teams' previous meetings, with little chance of that trend changing.

From BBC

Teresa Ribera, executive vice president of the Commission, said in a statement on Friday the regulator had factored in previous findings of Google's anti-competitive conduct when deciding to levy a higher fine.

From BBC

Roles have also been shuffled elsewhere in the cabinet, with Steve Reed replacing Rayner as housing secretary, moving from his previous post as environment secretary.

From BBC

The cemetery has already been heavily damaged by bombardments earlier in the conflict, with a crater left by a previous strike also visible.

From BBC

Related Words

• earlier www.thesaurus.com
• past 
• preceding