Dictionary
English - French

Previous

ˈpriviəs
Extremely common
800 - 900
800 - 900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

précédent(e), antérieur(e), d'avant

Previous meanings in French

précédent(e)

Example:
The previous meeting was very productive.
La réunion précédente a été très productive.
I can't find my previous notes.
Je ne trouve pas mes notes précédentes.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both casual and formal settings, often in discussions or written communication.
Note: The term can be used to refer to anything that came before in time or sequence. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.

antérieur(e)

Example:
The report refers to events that are anterior to the investigation.
Le rapport se réfère à des événements qui sont antérieurs à l'enquête.
Please check the anterior version of the document.
Veuillez vérifier la version antérieure du document.
Usage: formalContext: Commonly used in legal, academic, or formal contexts to indicate something that occurred before another event.
Note: This term is more formal and often used in legal or academic language.

d'avant

Example:
This is a photo from the previous year.
C'est une photo de l'année d'avant.
The previous version of the software had fewer features.
La version d'avant du logiciel avait moins de fonctionnalités.
Usage: informalContext: Used in casual conversations, often in reference to time or events.
Note: This phrase is more colloquial and used in everyday language.

Previous's synonyms

prior

Prior means existing or occurring before in time or order.
Example: Please review the prior chapter before starting this one.
Note: Prior is more formal and often used in written or professional contexts.

former

Former refers to something that came before or was in a previous state.
Example: She met her former boss at the conference.
Note: Former is commonly used to refer to a person or thing that held a particular position or status in the past.

last

Last refers to the most recent or final one in a series or sequence.
Example: In the last meeting, we discussed the budget for the upcoming project.
Note: Last can also imply finality or conclusion in addition to being before the current.

Previous expressions, common phrases

In the past

Refers to a time before the present moment.
Example: I have been to Paris in the past.
Note: Slightly more general than 'previous', can refer to any time in the past.

Beforehand

Refers to doing something in advance or prior to a specific time.
Example: She had studied the material beforehand.
Note: Emphasizes preparation or action taken before a particular event.

Earlier on

Refers to a time earlier than the current moment or a specific point in time.
Example: She had met him earlier on in the day.
Note: Indicates a relative comparison to the present or a specific time.

Prior to

Means before a particular time or event.
Example: They discussed the matter prior to the meeting.
Note: Formal term often used in written or professional contexts to indicate a time before a specific point.

Preceding

Refers to something that comes before or precedes another thing.
Example: The preceding chapter provides background information.
Note: Commonly used in written or formal contexts to indicate something that comes before another in a sequence.

Formerly

Refers to a previous time or state.
Example: She was formerly a member of the committee.
Note: Emphasizes a past status, position, or condition of something or someone.

Antecedent to

Means preceding in time or order.
Example: The events that occurred antecedent to the war shaped its outcome.
Note: A formal expression used to indicate something that comes before or precedes another event or action.

Previous everyday (slang) expressions

Earlier

'Earlier' is often used informally in spoken language to refer to something that occurred before a specific point in time or before an expected time.
Example: He left earlier than expected.
Note: 'Earlier' is used conversationally to indicate a time before a specific point, whereas 'previous' has a broader application to any preceding occurrence.

Past

In spoken English, 'past' is used to refer to any time before the present, including previous actions, events, or discussions.
Example: She mentioned it in the past discussion.
Note: While 'previous' is more neutral in tone, 'past' is often used informally and broadly to refer to any time before the present.

Old

'Old' is commonly used informally in spoken language to refer to something that existed or occurred before a recent change or upgrade.
Example: I used to own an old car before buying a new one.
Note: 'Old' is more casual and colloquial compared to 'previous', which has a more formal connotation.

Previous - Examples

Previous experience is required for this job.
Une expérience précédente est requise pour ce poste.
The previous owner of the house left some furniture behind.
L'ancien propriétaire de la maison a laissé quelques meubles derrière.
Please read the previous chapter before starting this one.
Veuillez lire le chapitre précédent avant de commencer celui-ci.

Previous grammar

Previous - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: previous
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): previous
Syllables, Separation and Stress
previous Contains 3 syllables: pre • vi • ous
Phonetic transcription: ˈprē-vē-əs
pre vi ous , ˈprē əs (The red syllable is stressed)

Previous - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
previous: 800 - 900 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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