Previously: meaning, definitions and examples

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previously

 

[ ˈpriːviəsli ]

Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in the past

At an earlier time; before now.

Synonyms

before, earlier, formerly

Examples of usage

  • I have previously worked as a teacher.
  • She had met him previously at a conference.
  • We had discussed this issue previously.
Context #2 | Adverb

in the context of what was said or written earlier

As previously mentioned or stated.

Synonyms

beforehand, earlier, previously stated

Examples of usage

  • Refer back to the previously mentioned chapter for more details.
  • The instructions provided were consistent with what was previously communicated.

Translations

Translations of the word "previously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anteriormente

🇮🇳 पहले

🇩🇪 zuvor

🇮🇩 sebelumnya

🇺🇦 раніше

🇵🇱 wcześniej

🇯🇵 以前に

🇫🇷 précédemment

🇪🇸 anteriormente

🇹🇷 önceden

🇰🇷 이전에

🇸🇦 سابقًا

🇨🇿 dříve

🇸🇰 predtým

🇨🇳 以前

🇸🇮 prej

🇮🇸 áður

🇰🇿 бұрын

🇬🇪 ადრე

🇦🇿 əvvəlcə

🇲🇽 anteriormente

Word origin

The word 'previously' originated from the combination of the prefix 'pre-' meaning before, and the word 'vious' derived from the Latin word 'via' meaning way or road. The term first appeared in the English language in the early 15th century. Over the years, 'previously' has been commonly used in various contexts to refer to events or information occurring or stated before a specific time.

See also: previous.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,145, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.