B1adjective1K

Previous

UK /["/ˈpriːviəs/"]/US /["/ˈpriːviəs/"]/

Definition

happening or existing before the event or object that you are talking about

In simple words: Something that came before something else.

Examples

  • I couldn't find the previous version of the document.
  • The previous owner of the house did many renovations.
  • In the previous lesson, we covered past simple tense.
  • She often talks about her previous experiences while traveling.
  • Unlike the previous models, this car has better fuel efficiency.

Usage notes

Use 'previous' in contexts where you're referring to something that happened or existed before the current one. It's appropriate for both writing and speaking but may sound overly formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

previous + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'pre' in 'previous' as 'prior'—something that is before.

Collocations

  • previous experience
  • previous version
  • previous owner
  • previous session
  • previous date

Synonyms

  • prior

Antonyms

  • next
  • following
  • subsequent

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'next' — remember, 'previous' means before.
  • Using 'previously' incorrectly in a sentence that doesn't need a time reference.
  • Using 'previous' to describe something that is still relevant.