previously — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. First; beforehand, in advance.

   Usage

   • Archaic
   • not-comparable
   • with present-tense constructions

   Examples

   I must, however, previously remark, that the power of generalizing ideas, to any great extent, is not very common amongst men or women.

2. At an earlier time; already.

   Usage

   • not-comparable
   • with past-tense constructions

   Examples

   The discovery of a previously unknown species had taken place nearly two years previously.

   Pliny the Elder, the Roman encyclopedist, declares that to urinate in a spot where a dog has previously done so results in loss of virility.

   More examples (1)

   In the lawsuit, Giuffre claimed she was forced to have sex with a “large amount of people,” some of whom had not previously been named including New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson […].

3. Recapitulating the preceding episodes of a series.

   Usage

   • not-comparable

Adverb

1. at an earlier time or formerly

   Synonyms

   antecedently

   Examples

   she had previously lived in Chicago

   he was previously president of a bank

   More examples (3)

   better than anything previously proposed

   a previously unquestioned attitude

   antecedently arranged