previous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite just preceding something else in time or order
    old.
    • the previous owner
    • my old house was larger
  2. adjective satellite (used especially of persons) of the immediate past
    late; former.
    • the former president
    • our late President is still very active
    • the previous occupant of the White House
  3. adjective satellite too soon or too hasty
    premature.
    • our condemnation of him was a bit previous
    • a premature judgment

WordNet

Pre"vi*ous adjective
Etymology
L. praevius going before, leading the way; prae before + via the way. See Voyage.
Definitions
  1. Going before in time; being or happening before something else; antecedent; prior; as, previous arrangements; a previous illness.
    The dull sound . . . previous to the storm, Rolls o'er the muttering earth. Thomson.
    Syn. -- Antecedent; preceding; anterior; prior; foregoing; former.

Webster 1913