previously
/ˈpɹiːvi.əsli/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
At an earlier time; already.
Adverb
Examples
The discovery of a previously unknown species had taken place nearly two years previously.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Recapitulating the preceding episodes of a series.
Adverb
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “previously” mean?
At an earlier time; already.
Is “previously” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.