DictionaryAI

previously

adverb
SayPREE-vee-uhs-lee/ˈpɹivi.əsli/UK/ˈpɹiːvi.əsli/

2 meanings of previously

Practice

  1. 1
    earlieradverb
    Before now, or before the time being talked about.

    She had previously worked at a bakery before opening her own shop.

    The room is blue now, but previously the walls were painted green.

    UsageTwo years previously means two years before a time in the past. For before now, say two years ago.

  2. 2
    show recapadverb
    Used at the start of a show to remind viewers what happened in earlier episodes.

    Previously on the series, the captain abandoned ship as the storm rolled in.

    Previously on our show: Sam lost the big race, and his coach quit.

    UsageMost often said as Previously on and then the name of the show.

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of previously apart? Answer 2 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from the word "previous" plus the ending "-ly".

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact