previously

The word “previously” means at an earlier time, before now or before the point being discussed. In plain terms, before now, or before the time already mentioned.

“Previously” is pronounced PREE-vee-uhs-lee (/ˈpɹivi.əsli/ in IPA).

Here is “previously” used in a sentence: “Previously, this building was used as a warehouse.”

“Previously” is an adverb.

“Previously” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Both point to the past, but with a slight difference. Previously means at an earlier time, before the moment being discussed — 'we had met previously.' Formerly describes a past state or title that has since changed — 'formerly the manager.' Use formerly when something used to be one way and no longer is.

The opposite is a word pointing to a later time, such as subsequently, afterwards, later, or thereafter. Where previously looks back to something before now, these look forward to what comes next. For example, 'previously discussed' refers to the past, while 'subsequently discussed' refers to a point further on.

You might say, 'The house had previously belonged to her grandmother,' meaning at an earlier time before now. Other examples include 'as mentioned previously' or 'he had previously worked abroad,' where previously points back to something that happened or was true before the current moment.