Pronunciation

/prɪˈviːəs/

Definitions

• Adjective: Occurring or coming before in time, order, or sequence; preceding. For example: “The previous year’s sales figures.”
• Adverb: In a preceding manner; previously. For example: “She had already discussed the topic with her colleague previously.”
• Noun: A former time or event; something that happened earlier. For example: “I remember the previous meeting.”

Phrases

• “Previous experience” refers to past knowledge or skills in a particular area.
• “Previous to that” indicates something that happened before another event.
• “Previous work” denotes work done before the current project or task.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “The previous applicant had more relevant qualifications.”
• Adverb: “He mentioned the previous discussion during the meeting.”
• Noun: “Can you review the previous decisions made by the committee?”

Synonyms

• Former
• Past
• Earlier
• Prior
• Antecedent
• Preceding
• Formerly

Usage Notes

• “Previous” can also be used as a comparative form of the adjective “more previous” or superlative “most previous,” meaning “earlier” or “more preceding.”
• When referring to people, “previous” may imply a specific individual rather than a general sense of time. For example, “My previous boss was very strict.”