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Added 5 October 2026

previous

/ˈpɹi.vi.əs/ adjective

In Latin: prior, antiquus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about previous at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Prior; occurring before something else, either in time or order.
He is no better than the previous Prime Minister.
Premature; acting or occurring too soon.

noun

An existing criminal record (short for "previous convictions")
It turned out the shoplifter had a lot of previous.
A track record of similar behaviour, especially bad behaviour.
A record of previous hostility or conflict (between people).
The two players refused to shake hands — there's a bit of previous there.

Origin

From Latin praevius.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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