# previously

/ˈpɹiviəsɫi/ (US) · /pɹˈiːvɪəsli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/previously
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. at an earlier time

adverb · CEFR B1

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

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

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

adverb · CEFR B2 · General-service

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

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

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

## Examples

- I have previously worked as a teacher.
- The show begins with a short summary of what happened previously to help viewers remember the story.
- Although the defendant had previously denied any involvement in the scheme, the discovery of new financial records forced a change in legal strategy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.