previous

1. 1
   earlieradjective

   Happening or coming before something else in time or order.

   I missed the previous bus, so I had to wait for the next one.

   Her previous job was at a bakery.

   UsageIt usually comes before the noun: the previous bus. Previous to means before.

   Similarprior, earlier, preceding, former, past

   Oppositenext, following, subsequent, later

2. 2
   too soonadjectivecolloquial

   Acting or happening too soon, before the right time.

   Don't open the gifts yet. You're being a bit previous.

   Packing for the trip two weeks early is a bit previous.

   UsageUsually said as a bit previous: you're being a bit previous. In formal writing, say premature.

   Similarpremature, hasty, early

   Note
3. 3
   bad recordnouncolloquialUKuncountable

   A history of doing bad things or getting into trouble before, such as crimes or old fights with someone.

   He has previous for being late, so we told him an earlier time.

   Don't lend her your camera. She has previous for breaking things.

   UsageSay someone has previous, with no "a": she has previous for breaking things.

   Note

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