What does "previously" mean?

1. (at an earlier time) at a time before now or before the period you are talking about. 2. (recapitulating a series) used at the start of a TV show to remind you what happened in earlier episodes.

How do you use "previously"?

Usually placed before the main verb or at the beginning of a sentence. Almost exclusively used in the phrase 'Previously on...' followed by the show's title.

previously

adv.

US //ˈpɹiviəsɫi// UK //pɹˈiːvɪəsli// pre·vi·ous·ly

1 at an earlier time (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

at a time before now or before the period you are talking about.

at a time preceding the current moment or a specified point in the past.

Example

The building was previously used as a factory before it became a museum.

Example

The candidate had previously served as the city's mayor, a role that provided her with significant experience in urban planning and public policy.

Usage

Usually placed before the main verb or at the beginning of a sentence.
2 recapitulating a series (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate General-service Theatre

used at the start of a TV show to remind you what happened in earlier episodes.

used as an introductory marker in television broadcasting to signal a summary of prior narrative events.

Example

Previously on 'The Lost Island', the survivors found a hidden cave.

Example

The 'previously on' segment was edited with high-intensity music to remind viewers of the cliffhanger from the season finale.

Usage

Almost exclusively used in the phrase 'Previously on...' followed by the show's title.
- beforehand

Origin

From previous + -ly.