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Definition of previous

previous

/ˈpriː.vi.əs/
pre · vi · ous
Adverb:previously
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• adjective

1

Existing or occurring before in time or order.

Example

"She had no previous experience in financial management before taking the role."

2

Acting or occurring too soon; premature or overhasty.

Example

"I might have been a bit previous in assuming the contract was already signed."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

British A person's prior criminal record or past convictions.

Example

"The suspect was denied bail because he had previous for burglary."

Synonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

'Previous' is most commonly used before a noun, or with the preposition 'to' in formal contexts ('previous to the meeting'). Unlike 'preceding', which strictly refers to something coming immediately before in sequence, 'previous' can refer to any earlier point in time.

• Rhymes for previous

• Nearby Words

preventively
preview
previewer
previous
previously
prewar
prewarm

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin 'praevius', meaning 'going before', formed from 'prae-' (before) and 'via' (way or road).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Previous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/previous
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