previous
9 synonyms and 4 antonyms for previous, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Coming before the current one, in time or order.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use previous
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin praevius, "going before."
Full origin of previous →Frequently asked questions
What does “previous” mean?
The word “previous” means coming before the current one, in time or order. In plain terms, the one that came right before this one.
How do you pronounce “previous”?
“Previous” is pronounced PREE-veers (/ˈpɹi.vi.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “previous” in a sentence?
Here is “previous” used in a sentence: “Her previous job was in marketing, before she switched to teaching.”
What is another word for “previous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “previous” include foregoing, former, late and old.
What is the opposite of “previous”?
The opposite of “previous” — its antonyms — are following, future, next and succeeding.
What part of speech is “previous”?
“Previous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “previous” come from?
The word “previous” comes from Latin. From Latin praevius, "going before.".
Is “previous” a common word?
“Previous” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between previous and prior?
Both mean coming before, and they are often interchangeable. Previous is the more everyday word and simply means the one before. Prior sounds more formal and, followed by 'to', can mean before in time — 'prior to the meeting'. Prior can also imply greater importance, as in a prior commitment.
What is the opposite of previous?
The opposite of previous is next or following — the one that comes after rather than before. Subsequent is a more formal alternative meaning the same thing. So the previous chapter is the one you just read, while the next or following chapter is the one still to come.
What is an example of previous in a sentence?
You might say, 'In my previous job, I worked from home,' referring to the job you held before this one. Other examples include 'the previous owner of the house' or 'as mentioned in the previous chapter.' In each, previous points back to the one immediately before the current one.