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previous

Pronunciation: /ˈpriːvɪəs/
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Definition of previous

adjective

  • 1 [attributive] existing or occurring before in time or order:she looked tired after her exertions of the previous evening the boat’s previous owner
  • 2 informal overhasty in acting:I admit I may have been a bit previous

noun

[mass noun] British informal
  • previous convictions; a criminal record:he’s got previous—theft and wounding

Phrases

previous to

before:the month previous to publication

Origin:

early 17th century: from Latin praevius 'going before' (from prae 'before' + via 'way') + -ous

previous in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of previous in the US English dictionary
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