Main Entry: pre·vi·ous

Pronunciation: \ˈprē-vē-əs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin praevius leading the way, from prae- pre- + via way — more at way

Date: 1625

1 : going before in time or order : prior
2 : acting too soon : premature <somewhat previous in his conclusion>

synonyms see preceding

— pre·vi·ous·ly adverb

— pre·vi·ous·ness noun