What does previous mean?
“Previous” is a widely used adjective meaning that something came before another thing in time, order, sequence, or ownership. It commonly describes a past position or experience, as in “previous employer,” and can identify the item immediately before another, as in “the previous chapter.” The word is neutral in tone and equally natural in formal and informal contexts, making it useful across journalism, education, business, and everyday conversation. Although “previous” often suggests the item directly before another, it can also refer more broadly to an earlier period or stage. “Former” is a frequent alternative when referring to a person’s previous role, while “preceding” can be slightly more formal and may describe something that comes before a particular event. The word is derived from Latin praevius, built from prae, “before,” and via, “way,” reflecting its basic sense of being ahead of or earlier than something else.
Existing, occurring, or belonging before a specified time, event, position, or person.
"The team struggled during the previous season."
This is the standard modern use and covers both immediate and more general earlier positions in a sequence.
The person or thing immediately preceding another, especially in a sequence or succession.
"The current director succeeded the previous one last year."
This noun use is less common and is often expressed in everyday speech with a more specific term such as “former” or “predecessor.”
The word “previous” literally points backward: it comes from Latin prae, “before,” and via, “way.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does previous come from?
“Previous” entered English in the early 17th century from Latin praevius, meaning “going before” or “previous.” The word was formed from prae-, meaning “before,” and via, meaning “way,” so its original idea was that of a way or passage coming before something else. Its modern meanings developed from this sense of being earlier in time or order. English speakers also use “previously” as the corresponding adverb, while related Latin-rooted words include “precede,” “precedent,” and “preliminary.”
Related word forms
How previous is actually used
“Previous” is neutral in register and common in both British and American English. It can describe an earlier time, position, possession, or version, as well as a former holder of a role.
Easily confused with previous
“Previous” often means the one immediately before another, while “preceding” can refer more generally to anything that comes before it.
“Former” is especially common for a person or thing that previously held a role, whereas “previous” more broadly describes something that came earlier in time or sequence.