Previously — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˈprē-vē-əs/ pre·vi·ous

Meaning & Definition of Previously

Previously (adjective)

  1. going before in time or order, prior
  2. acting too soon, premature

Previously (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. so as to precede something in order of time

    "he had prepared the meat stocks previously so as to make things easier on the day of the big dinner"

    similar: afore (chiefly dialect), ahead, already, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier, formerly, preliminarily, in advance
    related: a priori, early, prematurely, first, first off, now, before long, erelong (archaic), presently, shortly, soon
    opposite: after, afterward, later
    near: behind, by and by, next, subsequently

Related Entry: Previous (adjective)

Previous is a different word from Previously. The synonyms below are for previous, not for previously.

  1. going before another in time or order

    "the new instructor should consult with the previous teacher about the lesson plans"

    "the previous math problem also included a reference to store discounts"

    similar: antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, precedent, preceding, prior
    related: advance, early, premature, earliest, first, inaugural, initial, maiden, original, pioneer, preexisting, introductory, preliminary, erstwhile, whilom
    opposite: after, ensuing, following, later, posterior, subsequent, succeeding
    near: advanced, late, closing, concluding, final, last, latest, latter, terminal, ultimate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Previously

The most common words with a similar meaning to Previously:

Chiefly dialect: afore
ahead, already, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier, formerly, preliminarily, in advance

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Previously

Words with the opposite meaning of Previously:

after, afterward, later

Related Words for Previously

a priori, early, prematurely, first, first off, now, before long, erelong, presently, shortly, soon

Near Antonyms of Previously

behind, by and by, next, subsequently

Word Forms of Previously

Derived words: previously (adverb), previousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Previously

Latin praevius leading the way, from prae- pre- + via way way

First known use: 1621

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Previously

Frequently Asked Questions about Previously

What does "Previously" mean?

"Previously" means going before in time or order, prior. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: going before in time or order, prior.

What is another word for "Previously"?

Other words for "Previously" include afore, ahead, already, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand and earlier. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Previously" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Previously"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Previously". Common alternatives include afore, ahead, already, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier, formerly and preliminarily.

What is the opposite of "Previously"?

Antonyms of "Previously" include after, afterward and later. Near antonyms include behind, by and by, next and subsequently.

How do you use "Previously" in a sentence?

Examples of "Previously" in a sentence: "he had prepared the meat stocks previously so as to make things easier on the day of the big dinner".

Is "Previously" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Previously" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

Is "Previously" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Previously" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Previously"?

"Previously" is pronounced /ˈprē-vē-əs/ and divided into syllables as pre·vi·ous.