easy
The previous chapter introduced the main character.
What does Previous mean?
coming before this one.
Dictionary definition
Happening or existing before the current one.
Example sentences
Previous in a sentence
medium
Check your previous answer before moving on.
hard
The report compared the current results with previous data.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice previous in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Previous
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does previous mean?
Previous means coming before this one.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses previous correctly?
The correct sentence uses previous in a way that matches its meaning.
Practice 3
Which word is closest in meaning to previous?
Earlier is close in meaning to previous.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Previous
Voice settings
Sounds like
pree · vee · us · strongest beat: pree
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordPrevious.
Partadjective.
MeaningPrevious means coming before this one.
ExampleExample: The previous chapter introduced the main character.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- pree · vee · us
- Strongest beat
- pree
- Ending
- us
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on pree.
Your turn
Say Previous
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Coach
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced previous.
Synonyms
Words like Previous
earlierSimilar meaning.
formerSimilar meaning.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice previous synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The previous chapter explained the mystery," then compare close word choices. Practice previous synonyms.
Word family
Previous word family
Base word
previous
adverb
previously
Adverb form.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Previous
Hint for students
coming before this one.
Common mix-up
Previous is not the same as next. Previous means coming before this one.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: Check your previous answer before moving on. Clue words: check, your, answer. Underline clue words that show why previous fits instead of next. Now write one new sentence that shows previous without using the word previous. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show previous?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Check your previous answer before moving on." Why does previous fit better than next?
Learning activities
Practice Previous and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice PREVIOUS” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice PREVIOUS
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with PREVIOUS
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
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Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice PREVIOUS
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes PREVIOUS.
Practice PREVIOUS
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words