Anterior

This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 adjective #1,200 most common 10 min read

Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips anterior in 30 Seconds

Explanation anterior in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to describe time and order. 'Anterior' is a very useful word because it helps you talk about things that happened before. Think of it as the opposite of 'next'. When you are reading a book or looking at a list, 'anterior' means the one you just saw. It's a bit more formal than 'antes' (before), but you will see it often in simple instructions or when someone is talking about 'the previous day' (o dia anterior). The most important thing to remember at this level is that it doesn't change for boys or girls (masculine or feminine). It's always 'anterior' for one thing.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'anterior' to organize your sentences more clearly. Instead of just saying 'yesterday', you can say 'the previous day' (o dia anterior) when you are telling a story about the past. This level also introduces the plural form: 'anteriores'. If you are talking about two previous lessons, you say 'as lições anteriores'. You will also start to see 'anterior' used in simple comparisons, like 'the previous version was better'. It's a key word for moving beyond basic sentences and starting to connect ideas in a sequence.

At the B1 level, you will use 'anterior' in more professional and academic contexts. You'll encounter it in news reports ('o governo anterior') and in more complex time expressions using the preposition 'a'. For example, 'anterior ao evento' (prior to the event). You should be comfortable using it to describe not just time, but also position in a document or a series of steps. At this stage, you should also be careful not to confuse it with 'passado'. Remember: 'semana passada' is the week before now, but 'semana anterior' is the week before a specific time in your story.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'anterior' with precision in formal writing. This includes using the 'crase' correctly, as in 'anterior à reunião'. You will also use it in more abstract ways, such as discussing 'antecedentes' (previous history/background) or 'condições anteriores' (prior conditions). You should be able to distinguish between 'anterior' and its synonyms like 'prévio' or 'precedente' based on the context. Your use of the word should reflect a clear understanding of chronological and logical sequencing in complex narratives or arguments.

At the C1 level, 'anterior' becomes a tool for sophisticated discourse. You will use it in legal, medical, or highly technical contexts where precision is paramount. You'll understand its use in anatomy (the anterior part of an organ) and in complex legal phrasing ('sem aviso anterior'). You should also be able to use it stylistically to vary your language, knowing when 'anterior' is better than 'supracitado' or 'retro'. Your mastery of the word includes understanding its subtle connotations in different registers of Portuguese, from Portugal to Brazil.

At the C2 level, your use of 'anterior' is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You use it effortlessly in philosophical or high-level academic discussions to denote logical precedence or historical context. You are fully aware of its etymological roots and how that influences its modern usage across the Lusophone world. Whether you are analyzing a classical text or writing a complex technical manual, 'anterior' is used with perfect grammatical accuracy, including all necessary contractions and pluralizations, even in the most convoluted sentence structures.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

anterior in 30 Seconds

Anterior means 'previous' or 'former' and is used to describe things that came before in a sequence of time or space.
It is a uniform adjective, meaning it doesn't change for gender (masculine/feminine), but it does change for number (anteriores).
It usually follows the noun it modifies, such as 'o dia anterior' or 'a página anterior'.
It is often used with the preposition 'a' to mean 'prior to', as in 'anterior ao evento'.

The Portuguese word anterior is a versatile adjective that primarily translates to 'previous', 'former', or 'prior' in English. It is derived from Latin and maintains a formal yet accessible tone in modern Portuguese. At its core, anterior is used to describe something that occurred, existed, or was positioned before something else in a sequence, whether that sequence is temporal, spatial, or logical. Unlike many adjectives in Portuguese that change their ending based on gender, anterior is a uniform adjective; it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns, only changing to anteriores in the plural form.

Temporal Context: This is the most common usage. It refers to a time preceding the current moment or a previously mentioned time. For example, 'o dia anterior' (the previous day) or 'a semana anterior' (the previous week). It is essential for storytelling and reporting events in chronological order.

Na página anterior, explicamos as regras básicas do jogo.

Translation: On the previous page, we explained the basic rules of the game.

Sequential Order: In lists, chapters, or physical arrangements, anterior denotes the item that comes before. If you are looking at a series of steps, 'o passo anterior' is the step you just completed. It helps maintain clarity in instructions and technical documentation.

In formal settings, such as legal documents or academic papers, anterior is preferred over more colloquial terms like 'antes' or 'passado' because of its precision. It establishes a clear 'before and after' relationship. For instance, 'o governo anterior' refers specifically to the administration that held power immediately before the current one. This word is also frequently found in anatomical descriptions, referring to the front part of the body or an organ, though this is a more specialized use.

O candidato anterior tinha mais experiência em gestão pública.

Translation: The previous candidate had more experience in public management.

Logical Precedence: Sometimes, anterior describes a condition that must be met before another can occur. In legal terms, 'uma condição anterior' is a prerequisite. This usage highlights the logical flow of requirements in contracts or complex systems.

Não podemos prosseguir sem analisar o histórico anterior da empresa.

Translation: We cannot proceed without analyzing the company's previous history.

In everyday conversation, you might hear someone say 'No capítulo anterior...' when watching a soap opera (telenovela) or a series. This is the equivalent of 'Previously on...' and is a staple of Brazilian and Portuguese media. Understanding this word allows you to navigate time-based narratives with ease, whether you are reading a book, following news cycles, or simply recounting your day to a friend. It provides a structured way to reference the past relative to a specific point of interest.

Using anterior correctly requires understanding its position in the sentence and its agreement with the noun. As a uniform adjective, it does not change for gender. This means whether you are talking about 'o mês' (masculine) or 'a semana' (feminine), the word remains anterior. However, it must agree in number. If the noun is plural, anterior becomes anteriores.

Noun Agreement: Singular: O capítulo anterior (The previous chapter). Plural: Os capítulos anteriores (The previous chapters). Note how the ending changes from -ior to -iores.

As versões anteriores do software eram muito instáveis.

Translation: The previous versions of the software were very unstable.

One of the most common ways to use anterior is with the preposition a to indicate 'prior to' or 'before'. When followed by a feminine noun, this often results in a contraction (crase). For example, 'anterior à guerra' (prior to the war). This construction is very frequent in formal writing and historical contexts.

Anterior + Preposition 'a': Use 'anterior a' to link two events. 'O evento foi anterior ao meio-dia' (The event was prior to noon). This functions similarly to 'antes de', but is more formal.

Este documento é anterior à nova legislação.

Translation: This document is prior to the new legislation.

In business and professional contexts, anterior is used to compare periods. You will see it in financial reports, performance reviews, and project timelines. It helps establish a baseline for comparison. Phrases like 'período anterior' or 'exercício anterior' (previous fiscal year) are standard terminology.

Finally, consider the use of anterior in physical descriptions. In medicine or biology, it describes the front side. For example, 'a face anterior do coração' (the anterior surface of the heart). While less common in general conversation, it is vital for anyone studying health sciences in Portuguese. In all these cases, the word functions as a precise anchor, situating the subject in a specific point relative to something else.

You will encounter anterior in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the highly formal to the mundane. Because it is a precise word, it is a favorite in news broadcasting, legal proceedings, and academic lectures. However, its use in media and literature makes it a word that every Portuguese speaker uses and understands daily.

News and Media: Journalists use 'anterior' to provide context. You might hear: 'O crime ocorreu na noite anterior' (The crime occurred on the previous night). It provides a factual, objective tone to the reporting.

Como vimos no bloco anterior, a economia está crescendo.

Translation: As we saw in the previous segment, the economy is growing.

In the world of entertainment, especially with the popularity of streaming and serialized television, the phrase 'No episódio anterior' is ubiquitous. It serves as a recap marker. Similarly, in literature, authors use it to refer back to events or characters mentioned earlier in the text, ensuring the reader can follow the narrative arc.

Legal and Bureaucratic Language: In contracts, laws, and official documents, 'anterior' is used to define time limits or previous agreements. Phrases like 'sem aviso anterior' (without prior notice) are standard legal boilerplate that protects parties in an agreement.

O réu não possuía antecedentes anteriores.

Translation: The defendant had no previous criminal record (antecedents).

In educational settings, teachers frequently use anterior to link new concepts to old ones. 'Lembrem-se da aula anterior' (Remember the previous class) is a common way to start a lesson. It creates a bridge for learning. Even in technology, when navigating websites or apps, the 'Back' button is sometimes labeled as 'Anterior' or 'Voltar', though 'Anterior' is more common when navigating through a sequence of items like photos or pages in a document.

While anterior is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often make mistakes regarding its placement, its agreement, and its confusion with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words like 'antes' or 'passado'. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Word Order: In English, we say 'the previous day'. In Portuguese, it is 'o dia anterior'. Placing 'anterior' before the noun (e.g., 'o anterior dia') sounds very unnatural and is grammatically incorrect in standard usage.

Incorrect: O anterior capítulo foi longo.
Correct: O capítulo anterior foi longo.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Anterior' with 'Antes': 'Anterior' is an adjective (modifies a noun), while 'antes' is an adverb or preposition (indicates time). You cannot say 'Eu cheguei anterior'. You must say 'Eu cheguei antes'. Conversely, you don't say 'o dia antes', you say 'o dia anterior'.

Incorrect: No ano antes...
Correct: No ano anterior...

Another common error is failing to pluralize the word. Because anterior ends in a consonant, many learners forget that it needs an '-es' ending for plural nouns. 'Os meses anterior' is incorrect; it must be 'os meses anteriores'. This is a common oversight for those used to English adjectives which never change for number.

Mistake 3: Overusing 'Passado': While 'passado' means 'past' or 'last', it is usually relative to 'now'. 'A semana passada' is the week that just ended. 'A semana anterior' is the week before a specific point in the past you are talking about. Using 'passada' when you mean 'anterior' can confuse the timeline of your story.

Finally, be careful with the 'crase' (the accent on 'à') when using 'anterior a'. If you are saying 'prior to the experience', it should be 'anterior à experiência'. Forgetting the crase is a common mistake even for native speakers, but as a learner, mastering it will significantly improve your writing quality.

Portuguese offers several synonyms for anterior, each with its own nuance and register. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are speaking formally, writing a technical report, or just chatting with friends. Understanding these alternatives will enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise expression.

Prévio vs. Anterior: Prévio usually implies something done in preparation or as a requirement. 'Aviso prévio' (prior notice) is a specific term. Anterior is more general and simply denotes position in time or sequence.

Precisamos de uma autorização prévia para entrar.

Translation: We need prior authorization to enter.

Passado vs. Anterior: Passado is the most common way to say 'last' relative to today. 'No ano passado' (Last year). Anterior is used when the reference point is not necessarily today. If you are talking about 2010, the 'ano anterior' is 2009.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter precedente or antecedente. These are often used in legal or scientific writing. 'O fato precedente' (the preceding fact) sounds more sophisticated than 'o fato anterior'. Similarly, retro is a prefix or adverb used in formal documents to mean 'mentioned above' or 'backwards', as in 'retroativo' (retroactive).

For spatial relationships, frontal or dianteiro can sometimes replace anterior. While anterior is the technical anatomical term, 'a parte dianteira do carro' (the front part of the car) is much more common than 'a parte anterior do carro'. Understanding these distinctions helps you avoid sounding like a textbook when you're trying to be casual, and vice versa.

Antigo vs. Anterior: Antigo means 'old' or 'former' in a long-term sense. 'Meu antigo chefe' (My former boss). Anterior is more about the specific sequence. If you've had five bosses, your 'chefe anterior' is just the one before the current one, while your 'antigo chefe' could be any of them.

By mastering these alternatives, you gain the ability to shade your meaning. Use anterior for sequence and time, prévio for requirements, passado for the immediate past, and dianteiro for physical front-facing objects. This level of detail is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A cláusula anterior deve ser respeitada."

Neutral

"O dono anterior da casa era simpático."

Informal

"Vê a foto anterior no meu celular."

Child friendly

"O desenho anterior era mais colorido."

Slang

"Aquele 'ex' anterior era um mala."

Fun Fact

The word has remained virtually unchanged in spelling from its Latin root to modern Portuguese.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐ̃.te.ɾi.ˈoɾ/

US /ɐ̃.te.ɾi.ˈoʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: an-te-ri-OR.

Rhymes With

superior inferior exterior interior posterior maior pior melhor

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'an' without nasality.
Stressing the second-to-last syllable (an-te-RI-or) like in English.
Making the 'e' too open (like 'air').
Forgetting to flap the 'r' in the middle.
Pronouncing the final 'r' like an English 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to Latin roots.

Writing 3/5

Requires care with pluralization and crase.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but watch the nasal 'an'.

Listening 2/5

Clear and distinct sound in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

antes depois passado dia página

Learn Next

posterior anteriormente precedente consecutivo

Advanced

anterioridade antecedência primordial

Grammar to Know

Uniform Adjectives

O dia anterior / A semana anterior (no change for gender).

Pluralization of -or endings

Anterior -> Anteriores.

Crase with 'anterior a'

Anterior à festa (a + a).

Adjective Placement

Usually follows the noun: 'o mês anterior'.

Contractions

Do ano anterior (de + o).

Examples by Level

Veja a página anterior.

Look at the previous page.

Anterior follows the noun 'página'.

O dia anterior foi frio.

The previous day was cold.

Anterior is singular and masculine here.

Eu gostei do capítulo anterior.

I liked the previous chapter.

Contraction 'do' (de + o) precedes the noun.

A lição anterior era fácil.

The previous lesson was easy.

Anterior is singular and feminine here.

O ônibus anterior já passou.

The previous bus has already passed.

Anterior describes the bus in the sequence.

Use a porta anterior.

Use the previous door.

Anterior indicates position in a sequence.

O exercício anterior foi difícil.

The previous exercise was difficult.

Anterior modifies 'exercício'.

A foto anterior é melhor.

The previous photo is better.

Anterior compares two items.

As semanas anteriores foram produtivas.

The previous weeks were productive.

Plural form 'anteriores' agrees with 'semanas'.

No ano anterior, eu viajei muito.

In the previous year, I traveled a lot.

Refers to a year before a specific past point.

O dono anterior da casa era médico.

The previous owner of the house was a doctor.

Anterior describes the former owner.

Esqueci o que disse na frase anterior.

I forgot what I said in the previous sentence.

Anterior refers to a linguistic sequence.

Os modelos anteriores eram menores.

The previous models were smaller.

Plural agreement 'modelos anteriores'.

A versão anterior tinha erros.

The previous version had errors.

Common in tech contexts.

Ela morava na rua anterior.

She lived on the previous street.

Spatial/sequential use.

O preço anterior era mais baixo.

The previous price was lower.

Comparing costs over time.

O evento foi anterior ao meio-dia.

The event was prior to noon.

Use of 'anterior ao' (prepositional phrase).

Não temos registros do período anterior.

We have no records of the previous period.

Formal business usage.

A decisão anterior foi revogada.

The previous decision was revoked.

Legal/official context.

O governo anterior investiu em saúde.

The previous government invested in health.

Political context.

Analise os dados do mês anterior.

Analyze the data from the previous month.

Professional/analytical context.

O parágrafo anterior explica o conceito.

The previous paragraph explains the concept.

Academic/textual reference.

Ele agiu sem consulta anterior.

He acted without prior consultation.

Formal behavioral description.

A experiência anterior é necessária.

Previous experience is necessary.

Requirement/qualification.

O documento é anterior à Constituição.

The document is prior to the Constitution.

Crase 'à' (a + a) used with 'anterior'.

As falhas anteriores foram corrigidas.

The previous flaws were corrected.

Technical/corrective context.

Houve um aviso anterior sobre a greve.

There was a prior notice about the strike.

Formal communication.

A etapa anterior do projeto foi concluída.

The previous stage of the project was completed.

Project management terminology.

O autor refuta sua tese anterior.

The author refutes his previous thesis.

Academic/intellectual context.

A legislação anterior era mais rígida.

The previous legislation was stricter.

Comparative legal analysis.

O clima na semana anterior estava instável.

The weather in the previous week was unstable.

Descriptive narrative.

Os resultados anteriores foram promissores.

The previous results were promising.

Scientific/research context.

A face anterior do lobo frontal foi afetada.

The anterior face of the frontal lobe was affected.

Anatomical/medical terminology.

O contrato prevê a rescisão sem aviso anterior.

The contract provides for termination without prior notice.

Precise legal language.

A conjuntura anterior favorecia as exportações.

The previous situation favored exports.

Economic/high-level analysis.

O pressuposto anterior revelou-se falso.

The previous assumption proved to be false.

Philosophical/logical discourse.

A administração anterior negligenciou a infraestrutura.

The previous administration neglected the infrastructure.

Formal political critique.

O estudo é anterior às descobertas de 2010.

The study is prior to the 2010 discoveries.

Temporal precedence with crase.

As disposições anteriores permanecem válidas.

The previous provisions remain valid.

Legal/administrative continuity.

O trauma anterior influenciou seu comportamento.

The previous trauma influenced their behavior.

Psychological/clinical context.

A precedência cronológica é anterior à lógica.

Chronological precedence is prior to logic.

Philosophical abstraction.

O espécime exibe uma crista na região anterior.

The specimen exhibits a crest in the anterior region.

Biological/scientific precision.

A nulidade do ato anterior contamina o processo.

The nullity of the previous act contaminates the process.

Advanced legal theory.

A vivência anterior molda a percepção sensorial.

Previous experience shapes sensory perception.

Cognitive science context.

A versão anterior, conquanto limitada, era inovadora.

The previous version, although limited, was innovative.

Complex sentence structure with 'conquanto'.

O hiato anterior à reforma foi prejudicial.

The gap prior to the reform was harmful.

Historical/political analysis.

As premissas anteriores sustentam o argumento.

The previous premises support the argument.

Rhetorical/logical structure.

A fase anterior à industrialização era agrária.

The phase prior to industrialization was agrarian.

Socio-historical categorization.

Common Collocations

dia anterior

página anterior

governo anterior

versão anterior

ano anterior

capítulo anterior

aviso anterior

experiência anterior

período anterior

etapa anterior

Common Phrases

No dia anterior

— On the previous day.

No dia anterior, ele estava bem.

Sem aviso anterior

— Without prior notice.

Ele foi demitido sem aviso anterior.

Anterior a isso

— Prior to that.

Anterior a isso, nada aconteceu.

Como mencionado anterior

— As mentioned previously (slightly informal/common error for 'anteriormente').

Como mencionado anterior, o plano mudou.

Na semana anterior

— In the previous week.

Na semana anterior, choveu muito.

O proprietário anterior

— The previous owner.

O proprietário anterior cuidava do jardim.

A lição anterior

— The previous lesson.

A lição anterior foi sobre verbos.

Anterior ao prazo

— Before the deadline.

Entreguei o trabalho anterior ao prazo.

De forma anterior

— In a previous manner.

Ele agiu de forma anterior ao esperado.

Ocupante anterior

— Previous occupant.

O ocupante anterior deixou as chaves.

Often Confused With

anterior vs antes

Antes is an adverb/preposition; anterior is an adjective.

anterior vs passado

Passado usually refers to 'last' relative to now; anterior is relative to any point.

anterior vs antigo

Antigo means old or former in a general sense; anterior is sequential.

Idioms & Expressions

"Águas passadas não movem moinhos"

— Past waters don't turn mills (The past is the past).

Não se preocupe com o erro anterior; águas passadas não movem moinhos.

Informal/Proverb

"Fazer um retrocesso"

— To go back to a previous state.

A nova lei é um retrocesso anterior.

Formal

"Voltar à estaca zero"

— To go back to the very first step (previous starting point).

O plano falhou e voltamos à estaca zero anterior.

Informal

"Antecedentes criminais"

— Criminal record (previous legal history).

Ele não tem antecedentes criminais.

Formal/Legal

"Passar uma borracha"

— To erase the past (previous mistakes).

Vamos passar uma borracha no conflito anterior.

Informal

"Viver do passado"

— To live in the past (previous times).

Ele vive do passado anterior à crise.

Neutral

"Dar um passo atrás"

— To take a step back (to a previous position).

Às vezes é preciso dar um passo atrás para avançar.

Neutral

"Página virada"

— A turned page (the previous chapter is over).

Aquele problema é página virada.

Informal

"De tempos idos"

— From times gone by (previous eras).

Histórias de tempos idos.

Literary

"Em tempos que já lá vão"

— In times that are long gone.

Em tempos que já lá vão, a vida era simples.

Literary

Easily Confused

anterior vs Anteriormente

It's the adverb form.

Anterior modifies a noun; Anteriormente modifies a verb or sentence.

O dia anterior vs. Ele chegou anteriormente.

anterior vs Antecedente

Similar meaning.

Antecedente is often used for records or logical precursors.

Antecedentes criminais.

anterior vs Prévio

Both mean 'prior'.

Prévio implies a requirement or preparation.

Aviso prévio.

anterior vs Precedente

Legal similarity.

Precedente is something that sets a pattern for the future.

Um caso sem precedente.

anterior vs Retro

Both refer to 'before'.

Retro is used specifically to refer back in a text.

Conforme citado retro.

Sentence Patterns

O/A [Noun] anterior

O dia anterior.

Os/As [Noun] anteriores

As aulas anteriores.

Anterior ao/à [Noun]

Anterior ao almoço.

No/Na [Noun] anterior

Na página anterior.

Sem [Noun] anterior

Sem aviso anterior.

A face anterior de [Noun]

A face anterior do prédio.

Anteriormente a [Noun]

Anteriormente a este fato.

Dada a condição anterior

Dada a condição anterior, o contrato é nulo.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both written and spoken Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

O anterior capítulo → O capítulo anterior
Adjectives like 'anterior' follow the noun.
As semanas anterior → As semanas anteriores
Adjectives must agree in number with the noun.
Eu cheguei anterior → Eu cheguei antes
Use the adverb 'antes' for actions, not the adjective 'anterior'.
Anterior a guerra → Anterior à guerra
Missing the crase (contraction of preposition 'a' and article 'a').
O dia antes → O dia anterior
While 'o dia antes' is sometimes heard, 'o dia anterior' is the correct adjectival usage.

Tips

Plural Rule

Remember that adjectives ending in -r add -es for the plural. This is a common stumbling block for English speakers.

Pair it up

Learn 'anterior' and 'posterior' together. They are used frequently as a pair in formal and technical writing.

Crase Alert

Whenever you use 'anterior a' followed by a feminine word, check if you need the crase (à).

Stress the End

Don't say an-TE-rior like in English. In Portuguese, the emphasis is on the very last syllable: an-te-ri-OR.

TV Recaps

Watch the beginning of a Portuguese soap opera. You will almost certainly hear 'No capítulo anterior...'

Business Reports

Use 'anterior' when comparing this year's results to the 'ano anterior' for a professional tone.

Latin Link

If you know English words like 'antecedent' or 'anterior', you already know the meaning of this word!

Sequence over Time

Use 'anterior' when the order of items is more important than the specific date.

Nasal Sounds

Practice the 'an' sound by saying 'ah' and then moving the sound into your nose without touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth.

The 'A' Team

A is for Anterior, A is for Antes. Both mean before.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Anterior' as 'Ante-rior'. 'Ante' means before (like in 'antechamber'). It's the 'before' word.

Visual Association

Imagine a timeline with an arrow pointing to the left. That left side is the 'anterior' side.

Word Web

Time Sequence Before Previous Former Front Past Order

Challenge

Try to describe your day yesterday using 'no dia anterior' at least three times in a paragraph.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'anterior', which is the comparative form of 'ante' (before).

Original meaning: More in front, or former.

Romance (Latin)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but use 'anterior' rather than 'velho' (old) when referring to people's former roles to be polite.

English speakers often use 'last' or 'previous'. 'Anterior' sounds more formal in English but is standard in Portuguese.

No capítulo anterior (TV catchphrase) O Governo Anterior (Political trope) Vida Anterior (Common theme in spiritist literature in Brazil)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Books/Reading

página anterior
capítulo anterior
parágrafo anterior
citação anterior

Time/Calendar

dia anterior
mês anterior
ano anterior
semana anterior

Business

período anterior
exercício anterior
gestão anterior
relatório anterior

Technology

versão anterior
modelo anterior
etapa anterior
tela anterior

Legal

aviso anterior
decisão anterior
lei anterior
contrato anterior

Conversation Starters

"O que você fez no dia anterior à sua viagem?"

"Você prefere a versão anterior deste aplicativo?"

"Quem era o morador anterior do seu apartamento?"

"Você se lembra do que estudamos na aula anterior?"

"O governo anterior era melhor ou pior que o atual?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um erro que você cometeu no ano anterior e o que aprendeu.

Compare sua rotina atual com a sua rotina no emprego anterior.

Escreva sobre um livro onde o capítulo anterior foi mais emocionante que o final.

Reflita sobre como uma decisão anterior mudou sua vida hoje.

Descreva a casa anterior onde você morou.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'anterior' is a uniform adjective. It is the same for masculine and feminine nouns. For example: 'o dia anterior' and 'a semana anterior'.

You add '-es' to the end. So, 'anterior' becomes 'anteriores'. Example: 'os capítulos anteriores'.

'Passado' usually means 'last' relative to today (e.g., last week). 'Anterior' means 'previous' relative to whatever time you are talking about.

No, in Portuguese, 'anterior' almost always comes after the noun. You should say 'o dia anterior'.

You use the accent (crase) when 'anterior' is followed by a feminine noun that requires the article 'a'. Example: 'anterior à aula' (prior to the class).

It is more formal than 'antes' or 'passado', but it is still very common in everyday speech, especially in media and education.

The most direct opposite is 'posterior', which means subsequent or later.

Yes, in technical contexts like anatomy or architecture, it refers to the front part of something.

It is a nasal sound. You start to say 'an' but close your nasal passage so the air goes through your nose.

Yes, it is used identically in all Portuguese-speaking countries.