previous

Everyday

1. Happening or existing before the one you are talking about now: the previous page, the previous day. tree →
2. «Previous to» (formal) means before. tree →
3. (informal, UK) Too quick or eager: «You're a bit previous!» — acting before it is time. tree →

In the lessons

In school maths «the previous number» in a sequence is the one just before it; in 3, 6, 9, 12 the term previous to 12 is 9. «The previous lesson», «the previous question» refer back. In stories: «the previous owner of the house». In formal exam voice: «previous experience is not required». Phrases: «the previous day/week/year», «previous to», «previous owner», «no previous experience».

Examples

• Look back at the previous page. tree →
• The previous owner left a cat in the house. tree →
• In the pattern 5, 10, 15, the number previous to 15 is 10. tree →
• She had been to the beach the previous day. tree →
• No previous experience is needed to join the club. tree →
• Use your answer from the previous question. tree →
• Our previous teacher moved to Canada. tree →
• This score is better than your previous one. tree →
• The remainder of the day went like the previous one. tree →

Note

Adjective; adverb: previously. Opposites: next, following, later. In sequences, previous term = current term minus the step (for adding patterns). Spelling: prev-I-OUS.