previous

1. 1
   earlieradjective

   Occurring or existing before something else, either in time or in order; prior.

   The previous chapter explains how the experiment was set up.

   Unlike previous attempts, this launch went off without a hitch.

   UsageUsually before its noun: the previous chapter, her previous job. Previous to something means before it.

   Similarprior, earlier, preceding, former, past

   Oppositenext, following, subsequent, later

2. 2
   too soonadjectivecolloquial

   Acting or occurring before the proper time; premature.

   Booking the celebration dinner before the job offer had even arrived was, as her mother put it, a bit previous.

   Aren't you being a little previous, packing your bags for a trip that hasn't been approved yet?

   UsageUsually after a verb and softened: you're being a bit previous, a little previous. In formal writing, premature does this job.

   Similarpremature, hasty, early

   Note

   Here the word turns from order to judgment: being previous means jumping the gun. The hedge gives it a dry tone, as in Gerald Lynch's Roughnecks, Drillers, and Tool Pushers: "I was a bit previous it turned out."

3. 3
   bad recordnouncolloquialUKuncountable

   A past record of wrongdoing or trouble, such as criminal convictions, a habit of similar behavior, or earlier clashes with someone.

   The minister has previous for promising reforms that never arrive.

   Nobody was shocked when the airline lost his bag again. It has previous.

   UsageUsually with no article: someone has previous, often for or on the habit (has previous for being late).

   Note

   As a noun, the word is short for previous convictions. The criminal record loosens into a reputation: any person or thing with a habit of the same misstep has previous. It can also mean a history of clashes between two people. This use is informal and British.

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