previously
PREE-vee-uhs-lee
Previously (adv) means At an earlier time, before now or before the point being discussed. Example: “She had previously worked as a teacher before she became a writer.”
adv
1
At an earlier time, before now or before the point being discussed.
"She had previously worked as a teacher before she became a writer."
"The discovery of a previously unknown species had taken place nearly two years previously."
"Previously, this building was used as a warehouse."
"The show opens with a quick "previously on" recap."
How to use previously
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBefore now, or before the time already mentioned.
Common pairings
previously mentioned
previously known as
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Etymology
From previous + -ly.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for previously
famously
anxiously
seriously
obviously
curiously
furiously
nervously
viciously
jealously
hideously
vigorously
cautiously
See all rhymes for previously →
Frequently asked questions
What does “previously” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “previously”?
“Previously” is pronounced PREE-vee-uhs-lee (/ˈpɹivi.əsli/ in IPA).
How do you use “previously” in a sentence?
Here is “previously” used in a sentence: “Previously, this building was used as a warehouse.”
What part of speech is “previously”?
“Previously” is an adverb.
Is “previously” a common word?
“Previously” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between previously and formerly?
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.
What is the opposite of previously?
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.
What is an example of previously in a sentence?
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.
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