Basic Details
Word: Previous
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Existing or occurring before in time or order; earlier.
Synonyms: Prior, earlier, former, preceding
Antonyms: Next, subsequent, following, later
Idioms and Phrases
- Previous engagement: A prior commitment or arrangement. Example: "I can't attend the meeting; I have a previous engagement."
- Previous experience: Work or knowledge gained before the current role. Example: "Her previous experience in marketing helped her secure the new job."
Usage Examples
Example 1: He referred to his previous job while explaining his skills.
Example 2: Please ignore my previous email and refer to this one instead.
Example 3: The previous owner of the house had renovated the kitchen.
Fun Fact
The word "previous" comes from the Latin word *praevius*, meaning "going before." It has been used in English since the 1600s to refer to things that happened earlier.
Famous Quote
"Learn from the mistakes of the previous generation, but don't let them chain your future." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "previous" mean?
a) Happening now
b) Happening soon
c) Happening before
d) Happening suddenly
Answer: c) Happening before
2. Which of these is a synonym of "previous"?
a) Later
b) Next
c) Former
d) Upcoming
Answer: c) Former
3. Which is an antonym of "previous"?
a) Prior
b) Former
c) Subsequent
d) Earlier
Answer: c) Subsequent
4. Which sentence uses "previous" correctly?
a) She went to the previous store tomorrow.
b) I met him on a previous occasion.
c) We are previous than the others.
d) Previous is going to market.
Answer: b) I met him on a previous occasion.
5. What does the phrase "previous engagement" mean?
a) An old wedding
b) A past fight
c) An earlier commitment
d) A previous vacation
Answer: c) An earlier commitment
