previous
/ˈpriːvɪəs
/adjective
1 [attributive] Existing or occurring before in time or order: she looked tired after her exertions of the previous evening the boat’s previous owner...
- It follows a previous interim order which was made out for two months in April.
- The starting grids are based on a reversal of the finishing order of the previous race.
- It is the point of order I referred to during your ruling on the previous point of order.
Synonyms
foregoing, preceding, precursory, antecedent, above;
old, earlier, prior, former, ex-, past, last, sometime, one-time, erstwhile, as was
formal quondam
archaic whilom
rare anterior
2 informal Overhasty in acting: I admit I may have been a bit previous
Synonyms
overhasty, hasty, premature, precipitate, impetuous, too early, too soon, untimely, presumptuous
informal ahead of oneself
noun [mass noun] British informal
Previous convictions; a criminal record: he’s got previous—theft and wounding
Phrases
previous to
Derivatives
previousness
Origin
Early 17th century: from Latin praevius 'going before' (from prae 'before' + via 'way') + -ous.