Previously

/ˈpriːviəsli/

Meaning & Definition

adverb
At a time before the time of speaking; earlier.
I had previously lived in New York before moving to Los Angeles.
In the past; formerly.
She previously worked as a teacher before becoming an author.
Before a specified time.
The meeting was previously scheduled for last week.
In a previous instance or occasion.
The team experienced previously unforeseen challenges during the project.

Etymology

From Middle English, derived from Latin 'praevius', meaning 'going before'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

previously noted
Mentioned or referenced before.
previously on
Referring to events that happened in earlier episodes or parts of a series.

Related Words

previous
Existing or occurring before in time or order.
prior
Existing or coming before in time, order, or importance.

Slang Meanings

Back in the day.
Back in the day, we didn't have smartphones.
Way back when.
Way back when, nobody worried about social media.