Explanation at your level:
Previous means 'before.' If you have a book, the page you read before this one is the previous page. It helps you talk about the past.
When you talk about things that happened earlier, use previous. For example, 'My previous teacher was very nice.' It is a useful way to compare now with the past.
You can use previous to talk about your history or experience. It is very common in job interviews or when telling stories. Remember, it usually goes before the noun, like 'previous experience' or 'previous attempt.'
The word previous is excellent for adding precision to your writing. Instead of saying 'the last time,' you can say 'on the previous occasion.' It is slightly more formal and helps you link ideas in a sequence.
In advanced contexts, previous is used to establish a timeline in narrative or academic writing. It helps the reader understand the causal relationship between events. Using it effectively can make your English sound much more structured and professional.
At a mastery level, previous acts as a anchor for temporal references. It is often used in legal, historical, or complex analytical texts to distinguish between distinct periods or states of being. Understanding its etymological roots helps in grasping its subtle nuances in literary prose.
30秒でわかる単語
- Means 'happened or existed before'.
- Used as an adjective before a noun.
- Formal synonym is 'prior'.
- Adverb form is 'previously'.
Hey there! Let's talk about the word previous. It is a super handy adjective that helps us keep track of time and order. When you say something is previous, you are simply pointing out that it came before the thing you are talking about right now.
Think of your life as a long timeline. Everything that happened yesterday, last week, or even five minutes ago is previous to what you are doing this very second. It is a very common word in both casual chats and serious business meetings because it helps us organize our thoughts and explain history clearly.
The word previous has a really cool journey through history! It comes from the Latin word praevius, which is a combination of prae (meaning 'before') and via (meaning 'way'). So, literally, it meant 'going before on the way' or 'leading the way.'
It entered the English language in the 17th century. Back then, it was used to describe things that literally went ahead of others. Over time, the meaning shifted slightly from physical movement to the abstract idea of time. It is a great example of how Latin roots continue to shape our modern, everyday English vocabulary.
You will find previous used most often as an adjective right before a noun. Common pairings include previous experience, previous owner, and previous engagement. It is a neutral word, meaning it works perfectly in a casual text to a friend or a formal email to your boss.
Because it is so versatile, it is a staple in professional settings. If you are applying for a job, you will definitely talk about your previous employment. It is much more precise than just saying 'the old job,' which can sound a bit informal or vague.
While previous itself is a straightforward adjective, it appears in many common phrases:
- Previous to: A formal way of saying 'before.' Example: 'Previous to the meeting, I read the report.'
- Without previous: Meaning without warning. Example: 'He left without previous notice.'
- Previous engagement: A polite way to decline an invitation because you are busy.
- Previous record: Referring to a past achievement or criminal history.
- Previous life: Often used metaphorically to describe a time before a major life change.
Grammatically, previous is an adjective, so it does not have plural forms or verb conjugations. It is pronounced PREE-vee-us. The stress is on the first syllable.
In terms of usage, it is almost always followed by a noun. You wouldn't usually say 'the event was previous'; instead, you would say 'the event was the previous one.' It is a great word to practice if you want to sound more organized in your speech!
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'via', the Latin word for road.
Pronunciation Guide
PREE-vee-us
PREE-vee-us
Common Errors
- pronouncing it as 'pre-view-us'
- stressing the second syllable
- missing the 'ee' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Adjective placement
The previous car.
Prepositional phrases
Previous to the event.
Time expressions
The previous day.
Examples by Level
This is the previous page.
previous = before
adjective before noun
I like my previous home.
previous = old
adjective usage
Look at the previous photo.
previous = earlier
imperative
The previous bus was full.
previous = the one before
article usage
My previous friend moved.
previous = earlier
possessive
Read the previous line.
previous = above
instruction
The previous day was fun.
previous = yesterday
time expression
Where is the previous box?
previous = earlier one
question form
The previous owner sold the car.
I have no previous experience.
We met on the previous Friday.
Check the previous chapter.
The previous plan failed.
She forgot her previous password.
My previous job was in London.
Read the previous paragraph.
Previous to this, I lived in Spain.
The previous results were incorrect.
He had no previous knowledge of the topic.
The previous government made new laws.
She mentioned her previous relationship.
This is better than the previous version.
The previous tenant left it clean.
They discussed the previous events.
The previous findings were inconclusive.
Previous to the accident, he was healthy.
She had a previous engagement that evening.
The previous administration set the policy.
His previous record is quite impressive.
We must consider the previous data.
The previous night was very stormy.
He had previous convictions for theft.
The previous hypothesis was quickly debunked.
Previous to the industrial revolution, life was different.
His previous work set a high standard.
The previous analysis lacked depth.
She ignored all previous warnings.
The previous state of the building was poor.
We reviewed the previous correspondence.
The previous era was defined by peace.
Previous to the enactment of the law, there was chaos.
The previous incarnation of the software was unstable.
His previous life had been a mystery to everyone.
The previous regime fell after the uprising.
Such previous constraints are no longer applicable.
The previous iteration was much more complex.
Previous to this incident, they were friends.
The previous discourse focused on ethics.
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"previous to"
before
Previous to the storm, it was sunny.
formal"without previous"
without warning
He arrived without previous notice.
formal"previous engagement"
a prior commitment
I cannot come due to a previous engagement.
formal"in a previous life"
before a major change
I was a chef in a previous life.
casual"previous record"
past history
The company has a clean previous record.
neutral"previous state"
the condition before
The house was restored to its previous state.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean before.
Prior is more formal.
Prior arrangements vs. previous arrangements.
Both refer to the past.
Former refers to a previous role or state.
Former president vs. previous day.
Both mean before.
Preceding is used for order in a sequence.
The preceding paragraph.
Both refer to the past.
Last is more general and casual.
Last week vs. the previous week.
Sentence Patterns
The previous + noun + verb
The previous owner moved away.
Previous to + noun
Previous to the show, we ate.
Subject + was + the previous + noun
This was the previous version.
I have no previous + noun
I have no previous experience.
As in the previous + noun
As in the previous example, it is clear.
語族
Nouns
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
Previous is not a comparative adjective like 'older than'.
Previous needs a noun or a pronoun.
Redundant; previous already implies before.
Previous to is usually for events, not people.
Adverb form does not take 'to'.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'PRE' (pre-fix) before your 'VIEW' (vision).
When Native Speakers Use It
In job interviews to describe your history.
Cultural Insight
Often used in legal contexts to refer to past records.
Grammar Shortcut
Always pair with 'to' if you need a preposition.
Say It Right
Don't skip the 'vee' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Never use 'than' after previous.
Did You Know?
It comes from the same root as 'via' (road).
Study Smart
Use it to summarize your day in a journal.
Writing Tip
Use it to avoid repeating the word 'last'.
Speaking Tip
Use it to clarify which item you mean.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
PRE-view: Think of a preview of a movie that happens BEFORE the movie starts.
Visual Association
A calendar with a red X on yesterday's date.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write three sentences about your day yesterday using 'previous'.
語源
Latin
Original meaning: going before on the way
文化的な背景
None.
Used heavily in professional and academic settings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- previous experience
- previous role
- previous manager
in school
- previous chapter
- previous lesson
- previous answer
traveling
- previous booking
- previous flight
- previous hotel
daily life
- previous day
- previous week
- previous owner
Conversation Starters
"What was your previous job?"
"Did you read the previous chapter?"
"What did you do previous to this meeting?"
"Do you prefer the current or the previous version?"
"Have you had any previous experience with this?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your previous home.
What was your previous hobby?
Write about a previous mistake you learned from.
How does your current day compare to the previous one?
よくある質問
8 問They are similar, but 'previous' is more specific about being the one immediately before.
No, it is only an adjective.
Previously.
It is neutral and fits most contexts.
No, always use 'previous to'.
Yes, e.g., 'my previous boss'.
Yes, very.
PREE-vee-us.
自分をテスト
This is my ___ job.
Previous means the one before.
Which word means 'the one before'?
Previous is the correct synonym.
Previous means 'in the future'.
Previous means the past.
Word
意味
Matching antonyms.
The previous test was hard.
___ to this, I was a student.
Previous to is the correct phrase.
Identify the error: 'He was previous than me.'
Should be 'previous to'.
You can say 'previousness'.
It is a rare but valid noun.
The previous regime fell quickly.
The ___ iteration was better.
Previous fits the context of versions.
スコア： /10
Summary
Previous is your go-to word for anything that happened before 'now'.
- Means 'happened or existed before'.
- Used as an adjective before a noun.
- Formal synonym is 'prior'.
- Adverb form is 'previously'.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'PRE' (pre-fix) before your 'VIEW' (vision).
When Native Speakers Use It
In job interviews to describe your history.
Cultural Insight
Often used in legal contexts to refer to past records.
Grammar Shortcut
Always pair with 'to' if you need a preposition.
例文
I liked the previous house we looked at much more than this one.
Related Content
Timeの関連語
minute
A21分は60秒の短い時間の単位です。物事がどれくらい続くかを測るのに使います。
antetempful
C1Describing an action, state, or mindset that occurs or is prepared significantly ahead of the expected or required time. It implies a proactive and anticipatory quality, often used to describe planning or behavior that preempts future needs.
Tuesday
A1週の3番目の曜日で、月曜日の次、水曜日の前です。仕事では2番目の日とされます。
antactate
C1Describing a condition, action, or state that occurs or is required prior to a primary event or process. It is frequently used in technical or academic contexts to denote necessary preparatory measures or antecedent conditions.
April
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prepaterent
C1指定された時間や主要な出来事よりも前に、現れたり、見えたり、アクセス可能になったりすること。
period
B2A length or portion of time that is defined by specific events, characteristics, or conditions. It can also refer to one of the divisions of a school day or a punctuation mark used at the end of a sentence.
lifetime
A1人が生きている期間全体のことです。機械などの物が正常に機能する期間を指すこともあります。
hours
B1時間（hours）は60分を単位とします。仕事や特定の活動に割り当てられた時間枠を指すこともあります。
punctual
A1Being on time and not late. It describes a person who arrives or an action that happens at the exact scheduled time.
