previously
gb/pɹˈiviəsli/ us/pɹˈiviəsli/
B1
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
At an earlier time
Before now, or before a time you are talking about.
Usage pattern:
[previously] + [verb phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'previously' with 'before', but 'previously' is more formal and often used in writing or more structured speech.
Synonyms
earlier (Slightly more informal and common in everyday speech.)
|
beforehand (Often used for preparation or actions done before another event.)
Antonyms
later (Refers to a time after the present or after a specific point in time.)
Collocations
previously worked
|previously mentioned
|previously unknown
|previously owned
Themes
time
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She had previously worked as a teacher before joining the company.
- The building was previously used as a warehouse.
- As previously mentioned, the meeting will start at 9 a.m.
- This area was previously inaccessible to the public.
- He was previously unknown to most people in the industry.
Learner examples
- I previously lived in London.
- We met previously at a conference.
- This store was previously a bank.
- She told me about it previously.
- The man was previously in the army.
Grammar
Dictionary form
previously
IPA
GB/pɹˈiviəsli/
US/pɹˈiviəsli/
Syllables & stress
pre - vi - ously (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pre)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: previously
- Plural: previouslies
Word family
Forms
previouslies
noun
Core family
previous
adjective A2
Negative and opposite forms
subsequent
adjective B2
subsequently
adverb B2
Expressions
as previously mentioned
1/ˈæz pɹˈiviəsli mˈɛnʃənd/
fixed phrase
Referring to something said earlier
Used to talk about something that was said before in the same conversation or text.
Examples
- As previously mentioned, the deadline is next Friday.
- The report, as previously mentioned, will be reviewed by the board.
as previously stated
1/ˈæz pɹˈiviəsli stˈeɪtɪd/
fixed phrase
formal
Referring to something stated earlier
Used to talk about something that was said before, often in formal speaking or writing.
Examples
- As previously stated, all visitors must sign in at the front desk.
- The policy, as previously stated, applies to all employees.