Words / B1

PREEV-ee-uh-s/ˈpriːviəs/

Previous means happening before the one you are talking about. Previous job; previous page; the previous year. Last can mean final or most recent (last week); former is often for roles (former president). Previously is the adverb. A common error is “previous of.”

Meaning

Happening or existing before the one you are talking about.

Examples

• “She learned French in her previous job.”
• “In the previous chapter, we looked at verbs.”
• “She had previous experience in sales.”

Good to know

previous + noun. Adverb: previously. Most recent: last. Old role: former.

Near in meaning

former

New