previous

preceding, antecedent, foregoing, previous, prior, former, anterior mean being before. preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

• • the preceding sentence

antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

• • conditions antecedent to the revolution

foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

• • the foregoing remarks

previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

• • a child from a previous marriage
• • a prior obligation

former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

• • the former name of the company

anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

• • the anterior lobe of the brain