Previously
ˈpɹiːviəsli
Definitions
At a time before the present or before something else happened.
ˈpɹiːviəsli
At a time before the present; earlier.
She had previously worked as a teacher.
💡 Simply: It's like saying something happened 'earlier' or 'before'. For example, 'I previously lived in New York' means you don't live there anymore.
👶 For kids: It means something happened a long time ago or before today!
More Examples
The restaurant, previously located downtown, has now moved.
The book was previously released in paperback.
How It's Used
"The company was previously known as Acme Corp."
"The area was previously inhabited by the Native American tribes."
"As previously stated, the defendant is presumed innocent."
Idioms & expressions
as previously mentioned
Referencing something that has been discussed or mentioned earlier.
"As previously mentioned, the project deadline is next week."
From Middle English *previ(o)usli*, equivalent to previous + -ly. Previous derives from Latin *praevius*, meaning 'going before'.
The word 'previously' has been used since the late 16th century, evolving from the adjective 'previous' to function as an adverb.
Memory tip
Think of PREVIOUS as before, it happened before NOW.
Word Origin
"going before, preceding"