Dictionary
English - Japanese

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.

前の (まえの), 以前の (いぜんの), 古い (ふるい), 先の (さきの)

Previous meanings in Japanese

前の (まえの)

Example:
I visited the previous city last year.
私は昨年、前の都市を訪れました。
Please refer to the previous chapter.
前の章を参照してください。
Usage: FormalContext: Used in written or spoken contexts to refer to something that came before.
Note: Commonly used in academic, professional, and literary contexts.

以前の (いぜんの)

Example:
My previous job was very challenging.
私の以前の仕事はとても大変でした。
She spoke about her previous experiences in detail.
彼女は以前の経験について詳しく話しました。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used in various contexts to indicate prior experiences or situations.
Note: This term is often used in both professional and casual conversations.

古い (ふるい)

Example:
This is an old version of the software.
これはそのソフトウェアの古いバージョンです。
I found an old book in the library.
図書館で古い本を見つけました。
Usage: InformalContext: Used to describe something that is outdated or from the past.
Note: While it can imply something previous, it often carries a connotation of being obsolete.

先の (さきの)

Example:
In the next meeting, we will discuss the previous results.
次の会議では、先の結果について話し合います。
The previous plans were not effective.
先の計画は効果的ではありませんでした。
Usage: FormalContext: Used in formal discussions, especially in planning or project management.
Note: Useful for indicating prior plans or arrangements.

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.
The previous owner of the house left some furniture behind.
Please read the previous chapter before starting this one.

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.
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy helps you discover, organize, and learn new words and phrases with ease. Build personalized vocabulary collections, and practice anytime, anywhere.