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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Previous: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：earlier in time (previous)

previous 🔊

/ˈpriːviəs/

adj.

Happening or existing before now or before the present time.

Previous meaning illustrated by a diary showing past entries versus the present page.

earlier in time 🔊

➕

/ˈɜːrliər ɪn taɪm/

adj.

Describing something that occurred or existed at a time before the present or a specified point.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'praevius' ('going before'), from 'prae-' (before) + 'via' (road, way).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'PRE-VIA-US': The road (VIA) we took BEFORE (PRE) US.

📖 Example

Looking at the old photos, I was reminded of my previous job and the friends I made there. 🔊 Reviewing old photographs brought back memories of my earlier employment and the colleagues I knew then.

🔗 Collocations

previous experience – knowledge or skills gained from past jobs or activities

previous generation – the group of people who lived in the time immediately before the current one

previous owner – the person who possessed something before the current possessor

🔄 Synonyms

former (adj.) – Of an earlier period; used especially when contrasting with a current state (e.g., former president).

earlier (adj.) – Happening or done before the time in question; more general in use.

prior (adj.) – Existing or coming before in time, order, or importance; often used formally.

🚫 Antonyms

subsequent (adj.) – Coming after something in time; following.

later (adj.) – Happening at a time in the future; after the present or a specified time.

future (adj.) – At a later time; going to happen or exist.

🌱 Derivatives

previously (adv.) – At a previous or earlier time.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'previous' entered English from Latin via French. Its core Latin root 'via' (way/road) is still seen in words like 'via' and 'viaduct'. It highlights the concept of something that lies on the 'path before' the current point, a metaphor for time or sequence.

Meaning 2：the one before (previous)

previous 🔊

/ˈpriːviəs/

adj.

Referring to the one just before the current one in a list or order.

Previous photo navigation shown on a smartphone gallery interface with back arrow.

the one before 🔊

➕

/ðə wʌn bɪˈfɔːr/

adj.

Referring specifically to the item immediately preceding the current one in a sequence, list, or series.

📁 Category：Technology & Inventions 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

To go back to the previous page in the app, just tap the arrow in the top left corner. 🔊 To return to the page immediately before the current one in the application, simply press the arrow located at the top left.

🔗 Collocations

previous page – the page that comes right before the one currently being viewed

previous chapter – the chapter immediately preceding the current one in a book

previous version – an earlier iteration or release of a software, document, or product

🔄 Synonyms

prior (adj.) – Preceding in time or order; often interchangeable in this sequential sense.

preceding (adj.) – Coming before something else in a sequence; more formal.

foregoing (adj.) – Previously stated or written; used typically in formal or legal texts.

🚫 Antonyms

next (adj.) – Coming immediately after the current one in a sequence.

following (adj.) – Coming after or as a result of; the subsequent item.