adj.
Pronunciation: ' pr ē -v ē - ə s
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