Dictionary
English - Chinese

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.

之前的, 早先的, 前一个的, 相同的

Previous meanings in Chinese

之前的

Example:
I had a meeting previous to this one.
在这次会议之前,我有一个会议。
The previous owner of the house made several renovations.
房子的前任拥有者进行了几次翻修。
Usage: formalContext: Used to refer to something that occurred before a specific time or event.
Note: This meaning is commonly used in both written and spoken contexts.

早先的

Example:
Her previous experiences helped her in this job.
她早先的经历在这份工作中帮助了她。
In previous studies, we found similar results.
在早先的研究中,我们发现了类似的结果。
Usage: formalContext: Used in academic or professional contexts to refer to earlier studies, jobs, or experiences.
Note: Often used in discussions or reports about research findings.

前一个的

Example:
Please refer to the previous page for more information.
请参阅前一个页面以获取更多信息。
The previous chapter discusses the background of the issue.
前一个章节讨论了这个问题的背景。
Usage: formalContext: Commonly used in written documents, books, and presentations.
Note: This meaning emphasizes the order of content in documents or presentations.

相同的

Example:
He made a similar mistake as in his previous exams.
他在之前的考试中犯了类似的错误。
Their previous decisions have led to this outcome.
他们之前的决定导致了这个结果。
Usage: informalContext: Used when drawing comparisons between past actions or decisions.
Note: Less formal, often used in conversations.

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.
这个工作需要有之前的经验。
The previous owner of the house left some furniture behind.
房子的前任主人留下了一些家具。
Please read the previous chapter before starting this one.
在开始这一章之前,请先阅读上一章。

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.