Definition: just preceding something else in time or order
Usage: the previous owner; my old house was larger
Similar words: preceding
Definition: existing or coming before
Definition: too soon or too hasty
Usage: our condemnation of him was a bit previous; a premature judgment
Similar words: early
Definition: at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
Usage: early morning; an early warning; early diagnosis; an early death; took early retirement; an early spring; early varieties of peas and tomatoes mature before most standard varieties
Synonyms: previous, former, late
Definition: (used especially of persons) of the immediate past
Usage: the former president; our late President is still very active; the previous occupant of the White House
Similar words: past
Definition: earlier than the present time; no longer current
Usage: time past; his youth is past; this past Thursday; the past year