What does "previous" mean?
An existing criminal record (short for "previous convictions")
Previous
/ˈpɹi.vi.əs/ adj, noun, slang
adj, noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An existing criminal record (short for "previous convictions")
- Grammar: previous is listed as adj, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: former, a bit previous, above, advanced.
- Useful contrasts: following, future, next.
- Usage evidence: I would like to retract my previous statement.
How to use "previous"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "previous" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "previous" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "previous" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "previous" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "previous" is acting as adj, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "former" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "previous", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An existing criminal record (short for "previous convictions") UK, countable, informal, uncountable
"It turned out the shoplifter had a lot of previous."
- 2 A track record of similar behaviour, especially bad behaviour. UK, countable, informal, uncountable
"For that Smalling will have to do his time grazing in the scapegoat’s paddock because his contribution here supplied hard evidence of a player lacking the football intelligence that is needed at the highest level. He has previous on that front and it is difficult to find any mitigation for the way he scythed down James Milner when the first rule for a defender on a yellow card is not to dive in unless it is absolutely necessary."
- 3 A record of previous hostility or conflict (between people). UK, countable, informal, uncountable
"The two players refused to shake hands — there's a bit of previous there."
Adjective
- 1 Prior; occurring before something else, either in time or order. not-comparable
"He is no better than the previous Prime Minister."
- 2 Premature; acting or occurring too soon. informal
"I was a bit previous it turned out, as I worked short-handed for ten days before I could find another hand."
Adjective
- 1 just preceding something else in time or order wordnet
- 2 too soon or too hasty wordnet
- 3 (used especially of persons) of the immediate past wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"I would like to retract my previous statement."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "previous"?
Common synonyms include: former, a bit previous, above, advanced, aforementioned, aforementioned.
How do you use "previous" in a sentence?
I would like to retract my previous statement.
How do you pronounce "previous"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹi.vi.əs/.
Etymology
From Latin praevius.