previously
Refers to an action, event, or state that occurred at an earlier time or before the current situation being discussed. It is frequently used to establish a sequence of events or to reference information already provided.
Examples
3 of 5I had previously visited the city, so I knew my way around the center.
I had visited the city at an earlier time, so I was familiar with the layout.
The candidate has previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of a major firm.
The applicant held the position of CEO at an earlier date.
Like I said previously, I don't think we should go out tonight.
As I mentioned before, I am not in favor of going out tonight.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember the prefix 'pre-', which means 'before' (like a 'pre-view' you watch before a movie).
Quick Quiz
The artifacts were _______ thought to be from the 15th century, but new evidence suggests they are older.
Correct!
The correct answer is: previously
Examples
I had previously visited the city, so I knew my way around the center.
everydayI had visited the city at an earlier time, so I was familiar with the layout.
The candidate has previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of a major firm.
formalThe applicant held the position of CEO at an earlier date.
Like I said previously, I don't think we should go out tonight.
informalAs I mentioned before, I am not in favor of going out tonight.
As previously discussed in Chapter 2, the methodology relies on qualitative data.
academicAs stated earlier in the second chapter, the research method uses qualitative information.
The budget was previously approved by the financial committee last month.
businessThe financial committee gave their consent to the budget at an earlier meeting.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
as previously stated
repeating a point that was made earlier
previously on...
a summary of events from earlier episodes of a television show
never previously encountered
something that has never happened or been seen before now
Often Confused With
'Formerly' often describes a change in status, name, or identity (e.g., 'formerly known as'), while 'previously' is a general marker for any past time.
Usage Notes
The word is often placed between the auxiliary verb and the main verb (e.g., 'has previously worked'). It is more formal than the word 'before'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often place 'previously' at the very end of a sentence like 'before', but in formal English, it is more naturally placed in the mid-position of the sentence.
Memory Tip
Remember the prefix 'pre-', which means 'before' (like a 'pre-view' you watch before a movie).
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'praevius', from 'prae' (before) and 'via' (way).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western media, 'Previously on...' is a standard linguistic marker used at the start of serialized TV dramas to recap the plot.
Quick Quiz
The artifacts were _______ thought to be from the 15th century, but new evidence suggests they are older.
Correct!
The correct answer is: previously
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
An antecedent is a thing or event that existed before or log...
pastThe past refers to the period of time that has already happe...
initialAn initial is the first letter of a person's name, or the fi...
sequenceTo arrange things in a logical or chronological order to ens...
precedentA precedent is an earlier event or action that is used as an...
Related Words
cause
A1To make something happen, especially something bad or unpleasant. It is used to describe the action that results in a specific effect or situation.
through
A1Used to describe moving from one side of an opening, area, or object to the other side. It can also refer to the period of time from the beginning to the end of an event.
effective
A2Something is effective when it successfully produces the intended or desired result. It describes a person, method, or thing that works well and achieves its goal.
epic
A1A long book, poem, or movie that tells a story about heroes and great events. It usually covers a long period of time and many adventures.
robotics
B2The branch of technology and engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. It is a multidisciplinary field combining computer science, electronics, and mechanical engineering to create autonomous or semi-autonomous machines.
dean
B2A dean is a high-ranking official at a university or college who oversees a specific department, faculty, or administrative area. They are responsible for academic leadership, managing faculty members, and ensuring the general welfare of students within their division.
decade
B2A period of ten years, typically used to measure time or categorize a specific historical era. It is a common unit of time used to track social, economic, or personal changes over a significant duration.
enable
B2To provide someone with the means, authority, or opportunity to do something. It also means to make a process or a system possible or operational.
mature
B2Describing someone who behaves in a sensible, responsible way like an adult, or something that has reached a state of full development. It is often used to describe people, plants, or economic markets that are no longer growing rapidly but are stable.
scheme
B2A systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting an idea into effect. It can also refer to a secretive or devious plot to achieve a goal, often used to describe government programs or organizational systems.
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