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B2 noun 14 min read

prévio

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips prévio in 30 Seconds

Explanation prévio in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word prévio often. Instead, you usually use simpler words like antes (before) or primeiro (first). However, it is good to recognize it when you see it in simple signs or instructions. For example, if you see 'Aviso prévio' in a simple text, just think of it as 'Notice before'. At this stage, focus on the idea that something happens before something else. You might see it in a doctor's office or a school schedule. It is an 'adult' word that you will start to use as you get more serious with your studies. Just remember: prévio = before.

Think of it like the 'pre-' in 'pre-order' or 'pre-heat'. It's a prefix that became a whole word. If you are in a beginner class, your teacher might say 'conhecimento prévio', meaning what you already know before the lesson starts. Don't worry about using it in your own sentences yet; just try to understand that it describes something that happened earlier.

At the A2 level, you are starting to handle more formal situations, like going to the bank or renting an apartment. Here, prévio becomes more useful. You might hear 'pagamento prévio' (prior payment) or 'autorização prévia' (prior authorization). You should know that the word changes depending on the thing it describes: prévio for masculine things (like 'o aviso') and prévia for feminine things (like 'a autorização').

You can start using it in simple professional emails. Instead of just saying 'Eu te aviso antes', you could say 'Vou dar um aviso prévio'. This makes you sound a bit more organized. The key at A2 is to understand the difference between 'antes' (which is a general word) and 'prévio' (which is an adjective that describes a noun). Practice matching the endings: acordo prévio, notícia prévia. It's a small step that makes a big difference in how people perceive your Portuguese level.

As a B1 learner, you are moving into intermediate territory. You should be able to use prévio in work-related contexts. You will encounter it in contracts, news articles, and more complex instructions. You should understand that prévio often implies a condition. If a document says 'com o seu consentimento prévio', it means you must give consent before the action can happen. It's not just about timing; it's about rules.

You should also be aware of the adverbial form previamente. While prévio describes a noun (e.g., 'um estudo prévio'), previamente describes an action (e.g., 'foi decidido previamente'). At B1, you should try to use these words to clarify the order of events in your stories or reports. For example: 'Fizemos uma análise prévia dos dados antes da reunião'. This shows you can organize information logically and formally. It's about building a bridge between basic conversation and professional communication.

B2 is the 'sweet spot' for prévio. This is the level where you are expected to use it naturally in professional and academic settings. You should understand its legal implications, especially the term aviso prévio in labor law. You should also be able to use it to set up arguments in essays or presentations. For instance, 'É necessário um entendimento prévio sobre o tema...' (A prior understanding of the topic is necessary...).

At this level, you should also distinguish prévio from its synonyms like anterior or preliminar. You know that prévio is best for prerequisites and formal notices. You should also be comfortable with the feminine noun a prévia, used in Brazil to mean a preview or a preliminary version. Your goal at B2 is precision. Using prévio correctly shows that you understand the nuances of Portuguese formal structure and can navigate institutional environments with confidence.

At the C1 level, you use prévio with total ease and understand its subtle stylistic effects. You might use it in the 'pre-posed' position (before the noun) to create a more formal or literary tone: 'O prévio acordo entre as partes evitou o processo judicial'. You also understand how it functions in complex legal and philosophical texts, where it might refer to 'a priori' knowledge or structural preconditions.

You are also aware of regional variations. You know that in Brazil, 'prévias' can refer to political primaries or carnival rehearsals, and you can use these terms in cultural discussions. You can also critique someone else's use of the word, noticing if it sounds too bureaucratic or if 'anterior' would have been a more natural fit. Your mastery of prévio is part of a larger ability to shift registers seamlessly between the colloquial and the highly formal.

At C2, prévio is just one of many tools in your vast linguistic toolkit. You use it in high-level academic writing, legal drafting, or complex debating. You understand the historical evolution of the word from Latin and how it relates to other 'via' words in Portuguese. You might use it in abstract discussions about causality and temporal logic, where the distinction between a 'condição prévia' (precondition) and a 'causa anterior' (previous cause) is vital.

You also have a 'native-like' feel for the word's rhythm in a sentence. You know exactly when to use prévio to add weight to a statement or when to use preliminar to suggest a work in progress. There are no mistakes in agreement or register. You can read a 19th-century legal text and understand the archaic uses of the word, and then switch to a modern business context where it is used with modern efficiency. For you, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it's a precise instrument for defining the structure of time and law.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

prévio in 30 Seconds

Prévio is a formal adjective meaning 'prior' or 'previous'.
It is essential for professional contexts like 'aviso prévio' (notice period).
It must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
It is often used to describe prerequisites or preliminary steps in a process.

The Portuguese word prévio is a sophisticated adjective, predominantly used in formal, academic, legal, and professional contexts to denote something that exists or occurs before a specific event, action, or time. While it translates directly to the English word 'previous' or 'prior', its usage in Portuguese often carries a connotation of necessity or prerequisite. When you use prévio, you are often highlighting that the preceding element is a conditional step required for the next phase to commence. For example, in a legal setting, an 'aviso prévio' is not just a 'previous notice' but a mandatory notification period required before terminating a contract. This distinction is crucial for English speakers who might reflexively use 'anterior'. While 'anterior' simply refers to something that happened before in a chronological sequence, prévio frequently implies a structural or logical connection between the two events.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Latin 'praevius', from 'prae-' (before) and 'via' (way/path), literally meaning 'going before on the path'.

In everyday professional life, you will encounter prévio in phrases like 'estudo prévio' (preliminary study) or 'consentimento prévio' (prior consent). It is a word that signals preparation and foresight. If a doctor requires a 'jejum prévio' (prior fasting) before a blood test, the fasting is a technical requirement for the validity of the results. This nuance of 'requirement' makes it a favorite in bureaucratic and scientific literature. Furthermore, the word is gender-variable, becoming prévia when modifying feminine nouns, such as 'uma análise prévia' (a previous analysis). It is rarely used in highly informal slang, where people might prefer 'antes' or 'passado', but for anyone operating in a Brazilian or Portuguese workplace, mastering prévio is essential for achieving a B2 level of fluency.

A realização do evento depende de um planejamento prévio e detalhado por parte da equipe organizadora.

Interestingly, the word can also function as a noun in certain contexts, particularly in Brazil, where 'uma prévia' refers to a preview, a sneak peek, or a preliminary version of something, like a movie trailer or a draft of a Carnival parade. However, its primary function remains adjectival. When comparing it to 'antecedente', prévio is more commonly used for immediate prerequisites, whereas 'antecedente' might refer to a more distant history. For an English speaker, the best way to internalize this word is to associate it with the 'pre-' prefix in English words like 'preliminary' or 'pre-existing'. It fills the gap between the simple 'before' and the overly formal 'precedent'.

Collocation Note: Always remember the phrase 'aviso prévio'. It is the standard term for the notice period in employment law and is perhaps the most common real-world application of the word.

Não podemos tomar uma decisão sem o seu conhecimento prévio.

In summary, prévio is a versatile and necessary tool for describing any action that serves as a foundation for what follows. Whether you are discussing medicine, law, engineering, or simple organization, this word provides the precision needed to describe temporal and logical sequences. It bridges the gap between simple chronological order and conditional necessity, making it a hallmark of advanced intermediate Portuguese proficiency.

Using prévio correctly requires an understanding of its placement and its agreement with the noun it modifies. As an adjective, it typically follows the noun in formal writing, though it can occasionally precede it for stylistic emphasis. For instance, 'um aviso prévio' is the standard order, whereas 'um prévio aviso' sounds slightly more literary or archaic. The word must agree in gender and number: prévio (masculine singular), prévia (feminine singular), prévios (masculine plural), and prévias (feminine plural). This agreement is a common stumbling block for English speakers accustomed to the invariant nature of 'previous'.

Agreement Example: 'As condições prévias' (The prior conditions) vs. 'O acordo prévio' (The prior agreement).

When constructing sentences, prévio is often paired with nouns that represent administrative or cognitive actions. Common pairings include 'análise' (analysis), 'acordo' (agreement), 'autorização' (authorization), and 'exame' (examination). In a sentence like 'A autorização prévia é necessária para entrar no edifício', the word prévia clarifies that the authorization must be obtained *before* the attempt to enter. Without this word, the sentence might simply imply that authorization is needed in general, but prévia adds a specific temporal constraint that is vital in legal and security contexts.

O candidato deve possuir experiência prévia na área de finanças para se candidatar à vaga.

Another important usage involves the expression 'sem aviso prévio', which translates to 'without prior notice'. This is a fixed phrase used frequently in news reports and contracts. For example, 'O serviço pode ser interrompido sem aviso prévio'. Here, prévio acts as a crucial qualifier. In more academic writing, you might see prévio used to describe hypotheses or assumptions: 'Partimos de um pressuposto prévio de que a economia iria crescer'. This usage highlights the foundational nature of the word, indicating that the assumption was in place before the analysis began.

In the plural form, prévios and prévias are used to describe multiple requirements or events. 'Os estudos prévios indicaram que a ponte era segura'. This indicates that several different studies were conducted before the conclusion was reached. The flexibility of prévio allows it to fit into complex sentence structures, such as those using relative clauses: 'Os documentos que foram entregues no período prévio à reunião serão analisados'. Here, the word helps define a specific timeframe relative to a fixed point (the meeting).

Eles chegaram a um consenso prévio sobre as metas do projeto.

Finally, consider the use of prévio in contrast with 'posterior'. While 'posterior' describes what comes after, prévio sets the stage. In a sentence like 'Tanto o diagnóstico prévio quanto o tratamento posterior são fundamentais', the word prévio emphasizes the importance of early intervention. By using both terms, a speaker demonstrates a high level of control over temporal relationships in Portuguese, which is a key indicator of B2 and C1 proficiency levels.

While you might not hear prévio shouted across a football pitch or in a casual bar conversation, it is ubiquitous in the 'adult' world of Portuguese-speaking societies. If you are watching the news in Brazil (like Jornal Nacional) or Portugal (like Telejornal), you will hear it constantly in reports about government decisions, judicial rulings, and economic forecasts. Reporters often speak of 'acordos prévios' between political parties or 'autorizações prévias' from regulatory agencies. It is a word of the 'public square'—formal, clear, and authoritative.

In the Workplace: Human Resources (RH) is the place where 'aviso prévio' is most heard. It refers to the 30-day notice period an employee or employer must give. You might also hear it in project meetings: 'Precisamos de um levantamento prévio de custos'.

In the academic world, professors and researchers use prévio to discuss the methodology of their work. A 'revisão prévia da literatura' (prior literature review) is a staple of any thesis or dissertation. Here, the word carries the weight of scholarly rigor. If you are a student in a Lusophone country, you will see this word on almost every syllabus, referring to 'conhecimentos prévios' (prior knowledge) required to take a specific course. It implies that the student is not starting from zero but building upon a pre-existing foundation.

O juiz solicitou um relatório prévio antes de proferir a sentença final.

Legal environments are perhaps the most concentrated areas for this word. Lawyers use it to describe 'medidas prévias' (preliminary measures) or 'audiências prévias' (preliminary hearings). In these contexts, prévio is not just descriptive; it is a technical term that defines the procedural order of the law. If a step is 'prévio', missing it could invalidate an entire legal process. This makes the word high-stakes and very precise. Even in medical contexts, you will hear it: 'É necessário um agendamento prévio para a cirurgia'. This tells the patient that they cannot simply walk in; the 'prior' step of scheduling is mandatory.

Culturally, in Brazil, 'as prévias de Carnaval' are a major event. These are pre-Carnival parties and rehearsals that happen in the weeks leading up to the actual holiday. In this specific cultural context, the word takes on a festive, anticipatory tone. People will ask, 'Você vai na prévia hoje?', using the feminine noun form. This is one of the few places where the word sheds its formal skin and enters the realm of social excitement. Similarly, in politics, 'as prévias partidárias' refer to primary elections where a party chooses its candidate before the general election.

A banda fez uma prévia do novo álbum para um grupo seleto de fãs.

In summary, prévio is heard wherever there is a need for order, preparation, and formal communication. It is the language of the professional, the scholar, and the citizen interacting with the state. By paying attention to this word, you gain insight into the structured nature of Lusophone institutional life.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using prévio as an adverb. In English, 'previous' is an adjective, but we often use it in phrases where Portuguese requires an adverb. For example, a student might try to say 'Eu estudei prévio' to mean 'I studied previously'. This is incorrect. The correct form is 'Eu estudei previamente'. Prévio must always describe a noun, never a verb. If there is no noun to modify, you likely need the '-mente' ending. This is a classic 'false friend' trap where the adjective form is used in place of the adverbial one.

Incorrect vs. Correct: Incorrect: 'Ele avisou prévio.'
Correct: 'Ele deu um aviso prévio.' (Adjective modifying noun) or 'Ele avisou previamente.' (Adverb modifying verb).

Another common error is confusing prévio with 'anterior'. While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. 'Anterior' is a general term for 'before' in a sequence (like 'the previous page' - 'a página anterior'). Prévio, however, usually implies that the first thing is a preparation for the second. You wouldn't typically say 'o capítulo prévio' when referring to the chapter you just read; 'o capítulo anterior' is the natural choice. Use prévio when the 'before' part is a requirement or a specific preparatory step. Using prévio for simple chronological sequences can sound unnatural and overly 'legalistic'.

Erro comum: 'Leia o parágrafo prévio.' (Melhor: 'Leia o parágrafo anterior.')

Gender and number agreement also trip up many learners. Because 'previous' and 'prior' do not change in English, learners often forget to change prévio to prévia, prévios, or prévias. For instance, 'analises prévio' is a common mistake; it must be 'análises prévias'. Always look at the noun first. If the noun is feminine (ending in -a, -ção, -dade, etc.), the adjective must follow suit. This is a fundamental rule of Portuguese that requires constant vigilance until it becomes second nature.

A more subtle mistake is the over-reliance on prévio in casual conversation. If you are talking to a friend about a movie you saw yesterday, saying 'Eu não tinha conhecimento prévio da história' sounds like you are reading a police report. In casual settings, it is better to say 'Eu não sabia nada da história antes'. Using high-register words in low-register situations can make you sound stiff or distant. Part of reaching a B2/C1 level is knowing not just *how* to use a word, but *when* it is appropriate to use it. Save prévio for your boss, your lawyer, or your academic papers.

Cuidado: Não use prévio quando um simples 'antes' ou 'anterior' for suficiente para o contexto informal.

Finally, be careful with the noun 'prévia'. In Brazil, it can mean a 'sneak peek', but in other contexts, it might just be a shortened form of 'análise prévia'. Ensure you understand whether the person is using it as an adjective or a noun. For example, 'Vou te mandar a prévia' (I'll send you the preview) is common in creative industries. Misinterpreting this as an adjective without a noun can lead to confusion about what exactly is being sent.

To truly master prévio, one must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of 'beforeness'. The most direct competitor is anterior. As discussed, anterior is the general-purpose word for 'previous' in a series. If you are talking about the 'previous day', you say 'o dia anterior'. If you are talking about 'the previous owner of the car', you say 'o dono anterior'. Prévio would be incorrect here because the previous owner isn't a 'requirement' for the current one; they are simply earlier in the timeline.

Prévio vs. Anterior: Prévio: Suggests preparation, condition, or prerequisite (e.g., 'exame prévio').
Anterior: Suggests position in a sequence or time (e.g., 'mês anterior').

Another alternative is preliminar. This word is very close to prévio and is often used interchangeably in scientific and legal contexts. However, preliminar often suggests something that is introductory or incomplete, like a 'relatório preliminar' (preliminary report) that will be followed by a final one. Prévio is broader; a 'consentimento prévio' is complete in itself, even if it happens before the main event. Use preliminar when you want to emphasize that what is happening now is just the first, non-final stage of a process.

O projeto está em uma fase preliminar, mas já recebeu o aval prévio da prefeitura.

Antecipado is another related word, but it translates more closely to 'in advance' or 'early'. While prévio describes the timing relative to another event, antecipado often describes something that happens *sooner than expected* or as a proactive measure. For example, 'pagamento antecipado' (advance payment). While you could say 'pagamento prévio', 'antecipado' is the standard term for paying before the due date. Prévio is about the order; antecipado is about the timing.

In very formal or literary contexts, you might encounter precedente. This is often used as a noun ('um precedente') to mean a 'legal precedent', but as an adjective, it means 'preceding'. 'Nos anos precedentes' (In the preceding years). It is more formal than anterior and less focused on prerequisites than prévio. Finally, there is preexistente, which means 'pre-existing'. This is used when something already existed before a new factor was introduced, such as a 'doença preexistente' (pre-existing condition) in insurance contexts.

Quick Comparison

Prévio: Prior/Preliminary (Required)
Anterior: Previous (Sequential)
Antecipado: Advance (Proactive)
Preliminar: Introductory (Initial)

Choosing the right word among these synonyms is what separates a good Portuguese speaker from a great one. By understanding that prévio is the word of 'necessary preparation', you can use it with confidence in professional and academic settings, ensuring your communication is both precise and sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'via' is the same as in 'viagem' (trip) and 'viaduto' (viaduct). So 'prévio' is like a 'pre-trip' for your sentence!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈpɾɛ.vju/

US /ˈpɾɛ.vjoʊ/

The stress is on the first syllable: PRÉ-vio.

Rhymes With

médio prédio tedio remédio assédio comédia tragédia enciclopédia

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like the English 'r' in 'red'. It should be a quick tap of the tongue.
Making the 'e' too closed (like 'play'). It should be open like 'bed'.
Stress on the second syllable (pre-VIO). This is incorrect.
Not distinguishing between 'prévio' and 'prévia'.
Treating the 'io' as two distinct syllables instead of a diphthong.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and signs, easy to recognize.

Writing 7/5

Requires correct gender/number agreement and formal context awareness.

Speaking 6/5

Pronouncing the open 'é' and tapped 'r' takes practice.

Listening 4/5

Clear pronunciation usually helps with identification.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

antes primeiro depois acordo aviso

Learn Next

previamente anterior posterior mediante conforme

Advanced

precedente preliminar antecedente preexistente ulterior

Grammar to Know

Adjective-Noun Agreement

O aviso prévio (M), A autorização prévia (F).

Adverb Formation with -mente

Prévio -> Previamente.

Position of Adjectives

Usually after the noun (Aviso prévio), but can be before for style (Prévio aviso).

Use of 'Sem' with Nouns

Sem aviso prévio (No article needed in this fixed phrase).

Pluralization of Adjectives

Estudos prévios, Análises prévias.

Examples by Level

O café é antes da aula.

The coffee is before the class.

Using 'antes' instead of 'prévio' is common at A1.

Eu li o livro antes.

I read the book before.

Simple past with 'antes'.

Primeiro o estudo, depois a festa.

First the study, then the party.

Using 'primeiro' for sequence.

Preciso de um aviso.

I need a notice.

Simple noun usage.

Ele chegou antes de mim.

He arrived before me.

Preposition 'antes de'.

O teste é amanhã.

The test is tomorrow.

Future reference.

Você tem o papel?

Do you have the paper?

Simple question.

Eu vi a foto antes.

I saw the photo before.

Adverbial 'antes'.

É necessário um aviso prévio.

A prior notice is necessary.

Introduction of 'prévio' as an adjective.

Temos um acordo prévio.

We have a prior agreement.

Masculine agreement.

Ela fez uma análise prévia.

She did a prior analysis.

Feminine agreement 'prévia'.

O pagamento prévio é obrigatório.

Prior payment is mandatory.

Adjective modifying 'pagamento'.

Eles pediram autorização prévia.

They asked for prior authorization.

Noun-adjective pair.

Não houve contato prévio.

There was no prior contact.

Negative construction.

O estudo prévio foi bom.

The prior study was good.

Subject-adjective agreement.

Precisamos de dados prévios.

We need prior data.

Plural agreement 'prévios'.

O contrato exige um aviso prévio de trinta dias.

The contract requires a thirty-day prior notice.

Specific professional context.

Sem o consentimento prévio, não podemos agir.

Without prior consent, we cannot act.

Conditional usage.

O relatório foi baseado em pesquisas prévias.

The report was based on prior research.

Feminine plural agreement.

O conhecimento prévio do assunto ajudou muito.

Prior knowledge of the subject helped a lot.

Abstract noun modification.

Eles chegaram a um entendimento prévio sobre o preço.

They reached a prior understanding about the price.

Business negotiation context.

É preciso um agendamento prévio para a consulta.

Prior scheduling is needed for the appointment.

Service industry context.

O evento requer inscrição prévia.

The event requires prior registration.

Administrative requirement.

O juiz analisou os fatos prévios ao crime.

The judge analyzed the facts prior to the crime.

Legal temporal relationship.

A demissão sem aviso prévio gera multas pesadas.

Dismissal without prior notice generates heavy fines.

Specific labor law terminology.

O planejamento prévio é a alma do negócio.

Prior planning is the soul of the business.

Idiomatic professional expression.

As prévias partidárias definiram o candidato.

The party primaries defined the candidate.

Usage of 'prévias' as a noun (primaries).

O paciente deve realizar um jejum prévio de doze horas.

The patient must observe a twelve-hour prior fast.

Medical protocol context.

O software requer uma configuração prévia do sistema.

The software requires a prior system configuration.

Technical/IT context.

Não houve qualquer entendimento prévio entre as empresas.

There was no prior understanding whatsoever between the companies.

Formal corporate negation.

A análise prévia de risco é fundamental para o investimento.

Prior risk analysis is fundamental for the investment.

Financial terminology.

O autor faz uma menção prévia a esse problema no prefácio.

The author makes a prior mention of this problem in the preface.

Literary/Academic context.

A eficácia da medida depende do prévio cumprimento das metas.

The effectiveness of the measure depends on the prior fulfillment of the goals.

Pre-posed adjective for emphasis.

O debate foi precedido por uma exegese prévia dos textos.

The debate was preceded by a prior exegesis of the texts.

High-level academic vocabulary.

As prévias carnavalescas já agitam as ruas de Olinda.

The carnival previews are already shaking the streets of Olinda.

Cultural Brazilian context (noun usage).

A decisão foi tomada à revelia de qualquer estudo prévio.

The decision was made in the absence of any prior study.

Formal 'à revelia' expression.

Questiona-se a validade do ato sem a prévia oitiva do réu.

The validity of the act is questioned without the prior hearing of the defendant.

Archaic/Formal legal term 'oitiva'.

O pressuposto prévio da pesquisa revelou-se equivocado.

The prior assumption of the research proved to be mistaken.

Epistemological context.

Houve uma prévia articulação política para aprovar a lei.

There was a prior political articulation to pass the law.

Political strategy context.

O exame prévio de admissibilidade foi superado com sucesso.

The prior admissibility exam was successfully overcome.

Procedural legal language.

A ontologia heideggeriana pressupõe um entendimento prévio do Ser.

Heideggerian ontology presupposes a prior understanding of Being.

Philosophical/Abstract context.

O magistrado fundamentou sua decisão na ausência de prévia pactuação.

The magistrate based his decision on the absence of prior agreement.

Sophisticated legal synonym 'pactuação'.

A prévia disponibilização dos autos é condição sine qua non para a defesa.

The prior availability of the records is a sine qua non condition for the defense.

Use of Latin 'sine qua non'.

O fenômeno exige uma prévia contextualização histórica para ser compreendido.

The phenomenon requires a prior historical contextualization to be understood.

Academic synthesis.

A prévia de faturamento indicou um crescimento exponencial.

The revenue preview indicated exponential growth.

Business noun usage.

Não se pode ignorar o prévio labor intelectual que sustenta a obra.

One cannot ignore the prior intellectual labor that sustains the work.

Formal/Poetic prose.

A arguição de nulidade baseia-se na falta de prévia notificação editalícia.

The argument of nullity is based on the lack of prior public notice.

Highly specific legal terminology.

O sistema opera sob a égide de um protocolo prévio de segurança.

The system operates under the aegis of a prior security protocol.

Use of 'sob a égide' (under the protection/guidance).

Common Collocations

Aviso prévio

Acordo prévio

Exame prévio

Consentimento prévio

Estudo prévio

Autorização prévia

Conhecimento prévio

Planejamento prévio

Agendamento prévio

Jejum prévio

Common Phrases

Sem aviso prévio

— Without any warning beforehand. Often used in contracts.

O preço pode mudar sem aviso prévio.

Mediante acordo prévio

— Depending on a previously established agreement.

A entrega será feita mediante acordo prévio.

Salvo aviso prévio

— Unless a notice is given beforehand.

O contrato renova-se, salvo aviso prévio.

Com conhecimento prévio

— Knowing something before it happens.

Ele agiu com conhecimento prévio das consequências.

Em caráter prévio

— In a preliminary or preparatory manner.

A reunião foi em caráter prévio.

Análise prévia de mercado

— Researching the market before launching a product.

Fizemos uma análise prévia de mercado.

Inscrição prévia necessária

— You must sign up before you can attend.

Inscrição prévia necessária para o workshop.

Condição prévia

— Something that must be true before something else can happen.

A paz é uma condição prévia para o progresso.

Relatório prévio

— A first draft or early report.

O relatório prévio foi aprovado.

Consulta prévia

— Asking for advice or permission before acting.

Houve uma consulta prévia aos moradores.

Often Confused With

prévio vs Anterior

Anterior is for sequence (day before); Prévio is for requirements (prior notice).

prévio vs Previamente

Previamente is the adverb (previously); Prévio is the adjective (prior).

prévio vs Previsível

Previsível means predictable; Prévio means prior. They share a root but different meanings.

Idioms & Expressions

"Dar o aviso prévio"

— To officially notify an employer or employee of termination.

Ele decidiu dar o aviso prévio hoje.

Professional

"Cumprir o aviso prévio"

— To work the final month after resigning or being fired.

Ela está cumprindo o aviso prévio.

Professional

"Prévias de Carnaval"

— Parties and rehearsals leading up to the Carnival holiday.

As prévias de Recife são famosas.

Informal/Cultural

"Fazer uma prévia"

— To give a sneak peek or a trial run of something.

O diretor fez uma prévia do filme para a imprensa.

Neutral

"Sem o prévio aviso"

— Unexpectedly or without warning (formal).

O sistema caiu sem o prévio aviso.

Formal

"Acordo de cavalheiros prévio"

— An informal but binding agreement made beforehand.

Havia um acordo de cavalheiros prévio entre eles.

Neutral

"Prévias eleitorais"

— Internal party elections to choose a candidate.

As prévias eleitorais foram tensas.

Formal/Political

"Em regime prévio"

— Under a preliminary set of rules.

A empresa opera em regime prévio.

Formal

"Prévia da fatura"

— A draft of a bill before the final version is sent.

Verifique a prévia da fatura no aplicativo.

Business

"A título prévio"

— As a preliminary measure or introductory step.

Apresentamos o plano a título prévio.

Formal

Easily Confused

prévio vs Anterior

Both mean 'previous'.

Anterior is chronological; Prévio is conditional/preparatory.

O mês anterior (chronological); O aviso prévio (conditional).

prévio vs Precedente

Both relate to coming before.

Precedente is often a noun (legal precedent) or a formal adjective for 'preceding'.

Um precedente judicial.

prévio vs Preliminar

Both mean 'at the start'.

Preliminar suggests something non-final or introductory.

Resultados preliminares.

prévio vs Antecipado

Both mean 'before'.

Antecipado means 'in advance' or 'early'.

Pagamento antecipado.

prévio vs Preexistente

Both mean 'already there'.

Preexistente means it existed before a specific new thing started.

Doença preexistente.

Sentence Patterns

É preciso [noun] prévio.

É preciso um aviso prévio.

Sem [noun] prévio, não [verb].

Sem consentimento prévio, não podemos entrar.

Com base em [noun] prévio.

Com base em estudo prévio, decidimos mudar.

[Noun] prévio é fundamental para [noun].

Planejamento prévio é fundamental para o sucesso.

Mediante [noun] prévia.

A entrada é permitida mediante autorização prévia.

A despeito de qualquer [noun] prévio.

Ele agiu a despeito de qualquer aviso prévio.

O [noun] prévio à [noun].

O período prévio à eleição foi calmo.

Sob a condição de [noun] prévio.

Sob a condição de prévio pagamento, o serviço será prestado.

Word Family

Nouns

prévia (preview/primary)

previsão (forecast)

previdência (social security/foresight)

Verbs

prever (to foresee/predict)

prevenir (to prevent)

Adjectives

prévio (prior)

previsto (foreseen/planned)

previsível (predictable)

preventivo (preventive)

antecedente

preliminar

preparatório

primário

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional/legal domains; Low in casual everyday talk.

Common Mistakes

O dia prévio → O dia anterior
Prévio is for requirements/preparation; Anterior is for simple sequence.
Eu decidi prévio. → Eu decidi previamente.
Prévio is an adjective; you need the adverb 'previamente' for verbs.
Análise prévio → Análise prévia
Análise is feminine. Adjectives must agree with the noun.
Sem avisar prévio → Sem aviso prévio / Sem avisar previamente
You cannot use 'prévio' directly after a verb in this way.
O capítulo prévio → O capítulo anterior
Unless the chapter is a requirement for the next, 'anterior' is more natural for books.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always check if your noun is masculine or feminine. 'A autorização' is feminine, so it must be 'prévia'.

The 'Requirement' Rule

Use 'prévio' when the 'before' thing is a rule or a necessary step.

Sound Smart in Emails

Using 'conforme acordo prévio' (as per prior agreement) makes you sound very professional.

Notice Periods

In a job, 'aviso prévio' is usually 30 days. It's the most common use of the word.

Open your E

The accent on the 'é' means it's an open sound, like 'met'. Don't close it!

Carnival Previews

If you are in Brazil in January, look for 'prévias' on posters. They are great parties!

Avoid Adverb Confusion

Don't say 'eu fiz prévio'. Say 'eu fiz previamente' or 'eu fiz um trabalho prévio'.

Prior Knowledge

Use 'conhecimento prévio' when discussing what students already know.

Fasting

If a doctor says 'jejum prévio', don't eat before your appointment!

The Prefix Trick

Think of 'prévio' as the standalone version of the prefix 'pre-'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'PRÉ-VIO'. 'PRÉ' is like 'Pre-' (before) and 'VIO' is like 'VIEW'. You need a 'PRE-VIEW' (prévio) before you can start.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'STOP' sign that says 'AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED' before a bridge. That stop sign is the 'aviso prévio'.

Word Web

law contract before notice planning study consent agreement

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a trip you are planning, using 'prévio', 'prévia', and 'previamente'.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'praevius', which is a compound of 'prae' (before) and 'via' (way, road).

Original meaning: Literally 'going before on the way' or 'leading the way'.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it correctly in labor disputes is important for clarity and rights.

English speakers often use 'previous' for everything. In Portuguese, we split this into 'anterior' (order) and 'prévio' (requirement).

Aviso Prévio (Law 12.506/11 in Brazil) Prévias do PSDB (famous political primaries) Prévias de Olinda (cultural festival)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Employment Law

Aviso prévio trabalhado
Aviso prévio indenizado
Cumprir aviso
Direito ao aviso

Medical/Health

Jejum prévio
Exame prévio
Consulta prévia
Histórico prévio

Academic Writing

Estudo prévio
Análise prévia
Conhecimento prévio
Revisão prévia

Business/Contracts

Acordo prévio
Consentimento prévio
Autorização prévia
Orçamento prévio

Events/Culture

Prévias de carnaval
Inscrição prévia
Agendamento prévio
Prévia do show

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que o aviso prévio de 30 dias é justo para o trabalhador?"

"Para aprender um novo idioma, quanto conhecimento prévio de gramática você acha necessário?"

"Você costuma ver as prévias dos filmes antes de ir ao cinema?"

"Em sua opinião, um planejamento prévio detalhado garante o sucesso de uma viagem?"

"Você já teve problemas por falta de aviso prévio em algum serviço?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que um planejamento prévio salvou o seu dia.

Reflita sobre a importância do conhecimento prévio ao iniciar um novo projeto no trabalho.

Escreva sobre uma 'prévia' de um evento que você assistiu e o que você esperava do evento real.

Como você se sente quando as coisas mudam sem aviso prévio? Explique suas emoções.

Analise a necessidade de autorização prévia em diferentes aspectos da vida em sociedade.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that's a common mistake. For 'the previous day', use 'o dia anterior'. 'Prévio' is for things like notices, studies, or agreements.

'Prévio' is an adjective (modifies a noun: 'aviso prévio'), while 'previamente' is an adverb (modifies a verb: 'avisar previamente').

Yes, in Brazil, 'uma prévia' can mean a preview, a sneak peek, or a preliminary version of something.

You say 'sem aviso prévio'. It is a very common phrase in contracts.

Usually, yes.

Rarely. It sounds quite formal. In casual talk, people usually say 'antes' or 'sabia antes'.

These are parties and rehearsals that happen in Brazil in the weeks before the official Carnival starts.

Yes, but 'estudo prévio' sounds more like a professional requirement, while 'estudo anterior' just means a study done in the past.

It can be both! 'Prévio' (masculine) and 'prévia' (feminine). It must match the noun.

It's a legal term where an employer pays the employee for the notice period instead of having them work it.