Top 24 Slang For Previous – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to keeping up with the latest lingo, staying ahead of the curve can be a challenge. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered with our compilation of the most current and popular slang for “previous.” Whether you’re a language enthusiast or just looking to spice up your vocabulary, this listicle is sure to have something that catches your eye. So sit back, relax, and get ready to level up your slang game with us!

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1. Ex

This is a shortened form of “ex-lover” and refers to someone who was previously in a romantic relationship with another person. It can also be used to describe an ex-spouse or ex-partner.

For example, someone might say, “I ran into my ex at the grocery store yesterday.”
In a conversation about past relationships, a person might ask, “Do you still keep in touch with your ex?”
A friend might offer advice, saying, “It’s important to let go of any lingering feelings for your ex in order to move on.”

2. Pervious

This term is used to describe an earlier or previous version of something, such as a software program or a document.

For instance, a person might say, “I prefer the pervious version of this app, it had better features.”
In a discussion about a website redesign, someone might mention, “The pervious design was more user-friendly.”
A coworker might ask, “Can you send me the pervious draft of that report? I want to compare it to the latest version.”

3. Prior

This term is used to refer to something that happened or existed before a specific time or event. It can also mean “earlier” or “previously”.

For example, a person might say, “I had a meeting prior to this one.”
In a conversation about scheduling, someone might ask, “Do you have any prior commitments for tomorrow?”
A teacher might remind students, “Please complete the prior reading assignment before our next class.”

4. Former

This term is used to describe someone’s previous occupation, role, or position. It can also refer to a previous state or condition.

For instance, a person might say, “I used to be a teacher, but now I work in marketing.”
In a discussion about a political figure, someone might mention, “The former president made several controversial decisions.”
A friend might ask, “What was your former job before you started your own business?”

5. Antecedent

This term is used to refer to something that came before or preceded another thing. It can also mean “predecessor” or “ancestor”.

For example, a person might say, “The antecedent to this event was a series of protests.”
In a conversation about family history, someone might mention, “I’m researching my antecedents to learn more about my heritage.”
A historian might discuss the antecedents of a particular political movement, saying, “Several factors contributed to the rise of this ideology, including the antecedent social and economic conditions.”

6. Preceding

This word refers to something that came before or happened earlier in time or order. It is often used to describe something that is immediately prior to another thing.

For example, “Please read the preceding paragraph before continuing.”
In a discussion about historical events, someone might say, “The preceding decade was a time of great change.”
A teacher might ask, “What was the preceding step in solving this math problem?”

7. Foregoing

This term refers to something that was mentioned or discussed earlier in a text or conversation. It is often used to refer back to a previous point or topic.

For instance, “As mentioned in the foregoing paragraph, the issue of climate change is of utmost importance.”
In a legal document, you might find a sentence like, “The foregoing terms and conditions apply to all participants.”
A speaker might say, “Let’s review the foregoing points before moving on to the next topic.”

8. Past

This word is used to describe something that occurred or existed before the present time. It can refer to events, experiences, or periods of time that have already happened.

For example, “In the past, people relied on horses for transportation.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might say, “In the past, landline phones were the primary means of communication.”
A person reflecting on their life might say, “I’ve made mistakes in the past, but I’ve learned from them.”

9. Bygone

This term refers to something that is no longer present or in existence. It is often used to describe things from a previous era or time period.

For instance, “The bygone era of vinyl records.”
In a discussion about fashion, someone might say, “The bygone trend of bell-bottom jeans.”
A historian might study the bygone civilizations of ancient Egypt.

10. Quondam

This word is used to describe something that was once in a particular state or position but is no longer. It is often used to refer to a previous or former state of being.

For example, “The quondam champion of the competition.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “My quondam partner and I used to travel together.”
A person reflecting on their past might say, “I miss the quondam simplicity of my childhood.”

11. Old

This term is used to refer to something or someone that existed or was in a certain state in the past. It can also imply that something or someone is no longer in use or relevant.

For example, “That old car has seen better days.”
A person reminiscing about their childhood might say, “Back in the old days, we used to play outside all day.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might comment, “Remember the old floppy disks?”

12. Erstwhile

This word is used to describe something or someone that was previously in a certain position, state, or role. It implies that the person or thing is no longer in that position or role.

For instance, “The erstwhile champion lost his title in the last match.”
In a political discussion, someone might say, “The erstwhile dictator was overthrown by the revolution.”
A person discussing a former job might mention, “In my erstwhile career as a lawyer, I dealt with many interesting cases.”

13. Whilom

This word is used to describe something or someone that was in a previous state or condition. It is often used in a nostalgic or poetic context.

For example, “In the whilom days of my youth, everything seemed simpler.”
A person reminiscing about a past relationship might say, “I still remember the whilom love we shared.”
In a discussion about historical events, someone might mention, “The whilom empire ruled over vast territories.”

14. Late

This term is used to refer to someone who has passed away or something that is no longer in existence. It is a respectful way to talk about someone who has died.

For instance, “My late grandfather was a war hero.”
In a eulogy, someone might say, “We will always remember the late actor’s incredible talent.”
A person discussing a discontinued product might mention, “I miss the late, great VCR.”

15. Once

This word is used to describe something that happened in the past or a state that existed previously. It implies that the thing or situation no longer exists or is no longer true.

For example, “Once, I was a carefree teenager.”
In a discussion about a previous job, someone might say, “Once, I worked as a bartender in a busy nightclub.”
A person reflecting on their past might mention, “Once, I believed in fairy tales and happily ever afters.”

16. Earlier

This word refers to something that occurred or existed before the present time or a specified time.

For example, “I saw him earlier today at the grocery store.”
A person might say, “I woke up earlier than usual this morning.”
In a conversation about plans, someone might ask, “Do you want to meet up earlier than planned?”

17. Precedent

This term is often used in a legal context to refer to a previous case or decision that is used as a basis for determining the outcome of a similar case.

For instance, “The court set a precedent with their ruling on that case.”
In a discussion about social norms, someone might say, “Her actions set a precedent for acceptable behavior.”
A person might argue, “We need to consider the precedent set by similar situations in the past.”

18. Anterior

This word is often used in medical or anatomical contexts to refer to a position or structure that is located towards the front or in front of another structure.

For example, “The anterior part of the brain is responsible for cognitive functions.”
In a discussion about body movements, someone might say, “Engaging the anterior muscles helps with proper posture.”
A person might point out, “The anterior teeth are the front teeth in your mouth.”

19. Precursory

This term describes something that comes before or serves as a precursor to something else.

For instance, “The dark clouds were a precursory sign of an approaching storm.”
In a conversation about warning signs, someone might say, “His behavior was precursory to his eventual breakdown.”
A person might comment, “The precursory symptoms of the flu include fatigue and body aches.”

20. Preexistent

This word refers to something that already exists or has occurred before a specified time or event.

For example, “The preexistent condition of the building made it difficult to renovate.”
In a discussion about ideas, someone might say, “The preexistent knowledge shaped their understanding of the topic.”
A person might argue, “The preexistent laws need to be updated to reflect current societal needs.”

21. Preexisting

Refers to something that already exists or is present before a particular time or event.

For example, “The preexisting condition made the patient more susceptible to complications.”
In a discussion about a new policy, someone might say, “We need to consider the impact on preexisting systems.”
A doctor might ask, “Do you have any preexisting medical conditions that I should know about?”

22. Last

Used to refer to the final or most recent occurrence of something.

For instance, “During my last visit to the dentist, I had a cavity filled.”
In a conversation about vacations, someone might say, “My last trip was to Hawaii.”
A person discussing a project might say, “In the last phase, we encountered some unexpected challenges.”

23. Pre

A shortened form of the word “previous” that is commonly used in informal or casual contexts.

For example, “I’ll meet you at the prearranged location.”
In a discussion about a party, someone might say, “We’re having a pre-party at my place.”
A student might ask, “Are there any prerequisites for this course?”

24. Predecessor

Refers to someone or something that came before another person or thing.

For instance, “The new model is more advanced than its predecessor.”
In a conversation about technology, someone might say, “The smartphone’s predecessor was the flip phone.”
A historian might discuss, “The impact of the Roman Empire on its predecessor, the Roman Republic.”